Milking cows management principles for optimizing productivity and animal welfare

Modern, intensive dairy farming requires the systematic application of scientifically proven management practices, aiming to maximize performance, maintain animal health, and increase productive longevity. Today’s dairy cows are of high genetic merit and exhibit increased metabolic demands, making the proper organization of housing, nutrition, and daily management critically important.

Resting time and production physiology

Adequate resting time (12–14 hours/day) is directly associated with increased blood flow to the udder and improved milk synthesis. Prolonged standing leads to increased stress, reduced feed intake, metabolic disorders, and hoof problems. Research indicates that each hour of reduced lying time may result in a loss of 1–1.5 kg of milk per day, highlighting the importance of ergonomically designed resting areas.

Rumination as an indicator of rumen function

Rumination (450–600 minutes/day) is a key indicator of rumen health and microbial fermentation stability. Reduced rumination time is associated with subclinical acidosis, inadequate physically effective fibre in the diet, and nutritional or environmental stress. Monitoring rumination is therefore a valuable tool for the early detection of potential problems.

Feed bunk space management

Providing adequate feeding space (≥60–75cm/cow) reduces social competition and ensures uniform feed intake, particularly for primiparous cows and high-producing animals. Insufficient space is linked to reduced dry matter intake and increased variability in milk production.

Water and hydration balance

Water is the most important nutrient in dairy production. Daily water intake ranges between 80 and 150 litres, depending on milk yield, ambient temperature, and ration composition. Continuous access to clean, cool, high-quality water directly affects dry matter intake and animal performance. A water trough space of >10 cm per animal is required to fully meet needs, especially during hot periods.

Nutritional balance and the TMR system

Diets must be balanced to meet requirements for lactation energy, rumen degradable protein, fibre, minerals, and vitamins, while taking into account the stage of lactation and the physiological status of the animal.

The application of a Total Mixed Ration (TMR) contributes to rumen fermentation stability, reduces selective feeding, and optimizes nutrient utilization.

Forage quality and analysis

The chemical composition, digestibility, and hygienic quality of feeds directly affect productivity and animal health. Regular feed analyses (dry matter, NDF, ADF, starch, protein) allow precise ration formulation and help reduce the incidence of metabolic disorders.

Milking time and operational stress

The total daily time cows spend outside the barn for milking should not exceed 2.5–3 hours. Exceeding this limit reduces time available for feeding and resting, increases operational stress, and negatively affects production.

Conclusions

Holistic and scientifically based management of dairy cows is a prerequisite for high efficiency, good health, and increased productive longevity. Investing in animal welfare and proper nutritional and environmental management translates into sustainable and competitive dairy farming.