Learn the ideal dairy cattle feeding schedule with time-wise diet plans, ration balance, green fodder, concentrates, and tips to boost milk yield and cattle health.
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Introduction
In dairy farming, feeding is strategy, not routine. A well-planned dairy cattle feeding schedule directly impacts milk yield, animal health, fertility, and farm profitability. Traditional wisdom tells us: “Feed the cow well, and the cow will feed your family.” That principle still holds strong—even in modern, tech-driven dairy operations.
Whether you are managing 2 cows or 200, success comes down to what you feed, how much you feed, and when you feed. This guide breaks it all down in a clear, time-based, practical format—built for real farmers and optimized for search engines.
Why a Proper Feeding Schedule Is Critical in Dairy Farming
From a business lens, feeding represents 60–70% of total dairy farm costs. Poor scheduling leads to:
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Low milk production
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Digestive disorders
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Reproductive failure
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Increased veterinary expenses
A disciplined feeding schedule ensures:
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Consistent milk yield
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Better feed conversion ratio (FCR)
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Longer productive life of animals
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Higher ROI per cow
Bottom line: feeding discipline = profit discipline.
Nutritional Requirements of Dairy Cattle
Every dairy cow’s diet must balance five core nutrients:
1. Energy
Provided by grains, maize, barley, and fodder. Energy fuels milk production.
2. Protein
Essential for milk synthesis. Sources include oil cakes, soybean meal, and legume fodder.
3. Fiber
Maintains rumen health. Green fodder and dry roughage are non-negotiable.
4. Minerals & Vitamins
Prevent deficiencies, infertility, and milk fever.
5. Clean Water
Often ignored—but milk is 87% water. Unlimited access is mandatory.
Ideal Daily Dairy Cattle Feeding Schedule (Milking Cow)
Morning (5:00 – 6:00 AM)
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Clean drinking water
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Green fodder (berseem, maize, napier grass)
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50% of concentrate mixture (based on milk yield)
Midday (11:00 – 12:00 PM)
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Dry fodder (wheat straw, paddy straw)
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Mineral mixture + salt lick
Evening (4:00 – 5:00 PM)
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Remaining 50% concentrate mixture
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Additional green fodder
Night (8:00 – 9:00 PM)
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Dry roughage
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Free access to water
Pro Tip: Always feed concentrates during or after milking to avoid digestive stress.
Feeding Schedule by Cattle Category
1. Calf Feeding Schedule (0–6 Months)
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Colostrum: First 3 days (critical immunity window)
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Milk: 10% of body weight daily
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Calf starter from 15 days
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Green fodder after 1 month
2. Heifer Feeding Schedule
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Focus on growth, not fat
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Balanced ration with more roughage
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Avoid overfeeding concentrates
3. Dry Cow Feeding Schedule
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Last 60 days before calving
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Reduce concentrates initially
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Increase minerals and vitamins
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Transition feeding in last 2 weeks
4. High-Yielding Cow Feeding
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1 kg concentrate for every 2–2.5 liters of milk
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High-energy ration
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Strict feeding timings
Concentrate Mixture Formula (Standard)
A proven traditional mix:
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Maize / Barley – 35%
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Wheat Bran – 30%
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Oil Cake – 32%
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Mineral Mixture – 2%
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Salt – 1%
This formula has stood the test of time—and still delivers results.
Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
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Feeding irregularly
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Sudden diet changes
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Ignoring mineral supplementation
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Poor-quality fodder
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Limited water access
These mistakes silently destroy productivity.
FAQs: Dairy Cattle Feeding Schedule
Q1. How many times should dairy cows be fed daily?
Ideally 2–3 times, with fixed timing.
Q2. Can feeding time affect milk yield?
Yes. Inconsistent timing stresses cows and reduces yield.
Q3. Is green fodder compulsory?
Absolutely. It supports digestion, fertility, and milk fat percentage.
Q4. How much water does a dairy cow need daily?
60–80 liters, more in summer.
Q5. Should feeding change in different seasons?
Yes. Increase water and green fodder in summer; energy-rich feed in winter.
Conclusion
A dairy cattle feeding schedule is not optional—it’s operational excellence. Traditional feeding wisdom combined with modern nutritional science creates sustainable dairy success.
If your goal is higher milk yield, healthier cows, and predictable profits, lock in a feeding schedule and execute it with discipline. Consistency beats complexity every single time.
This is how top-performing dairy farms operate—and this is how you scale.
