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GfE recommendations: Dairy cows: Special feeding measures. Optimizing feeding to promote health.

    This article was published in FeedMagazine/Kraftfutter (issues 1-2/2024), as part of a series covering new supply recommendations for energy and nutrients in dairy cows. These recommendations were published by the Society for Nutritional Physiology (GfE) in September 2023.


    The authors are four prominent German professors specializing in animal nutrition:

    Prof. Dr. Jürgen Zentek from Free University of Berlin’s Institute of Animal Nutrition
    Prof. (retired) Dr. Josef Kamphues from University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover
    Prof. Dr. Hans Schenkel from University of Hohenheim’s Institute for Animal Science
    Prof. Dr. Klaus Eder from University of Giessen’s Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutrition Physiology

    The article is part of a larger initiative to provide updated dietary guidelines for dairy cow management, combining both practical recommendations and scientific research.

    It’s published in a bilingual format: German (the white background) and English (the green background).

    FeedMagazine/Kraftfutter is a professional publication focused on animal feed and nutrition, primarily serving the German-speaking and European markets.

    The article Dairy cows: Special feeding measures. Optimizing feeding to promote health focuses on how the new feeding recommendations for dairy cows recently published by the Society for Nutritional Physiology can improve the health and productivity of dairy cows, particularly through special feeding measures that help prevent diseases and support cows during metabolic disorders.

    Key Topics Covered

    Energy Deficiency in Early Lactation:
    Discusses how cows often experience a negative energy balance (NEB) during early lactation, increasing the risk of metabolic diseases. The article highlights strategies to improve energy intake and prevent issues like ketosis and fatty liver syndrome.

    Rumen Acidosis:
    Proper ration balancing is crucial for maintaining rumen health. The article explains how subacute rumen acidosis (SARA) can affect cows and suggests ways to prevent it with structured fiber (peNDF), buffering agents, and well-balanced rations.

    Abomasal Displacement:
    Risk factors, including motility disorders, high maize silage content, and energy deficiencies, are discussed, along with preventive measures such as ensuring adequate intake of fiber and energy.

    Large Intestine Disorders:
    High starch intake can lead to disruptions in the large intestine’s microbiome, causing diarrhea and fermentation-related issues. The article emphasizes the importance of proper starch management in rations.

    Postpartum Hypocalcaemia and Hypomagnesaemia:
    Focuses on the calcium and magnesium balance in cows, offering preventive strategies to avoid milk fever and grass tetany.

    Use of Nutritional Feed Additives:
    The article details the benefits of supplements like selenium yeast, vitamin E, niacin, and biotin for improving immune function, reducing ketosis, and preventing mastitis.

    Regulation (EU) 2020/354 – Feeds for Particular Nutritional Purposes:
    Outlines feed options that help manage specific health issues such as tetany, acidosis, and hypocalcaemia.

    The New Regulations for Dairy Cow Feeding in HYBRIMIN Futter X

    The latest GfE recommendations are fully integrated into HYBRIMIN Futter X, ensuring precise ration balancing and compliance with the newest standards.

    HYBRIMIN Futter X can be tested for free with the implementation of the latest guidelines for dairy cow nutrition and health management!

    Dairy cows: Special feeding measures, FeedMagazine/Kraftfutter (issues 1-2/2024), page 1
    Dairy cows: Special feeding measures, FeedMagazine/Kraftfutter (issues 1-2/2024), page 2
    Dairy cows: Special feeding measures, FeedMagazine/Kraftfutter (issues 1-2/2024), page 3
    Dairy cows: Special feeding measures, FeedMagazine/Kraftfutter (issues 1-2/2024), page 4
    Dairy cows: Special feeding measures, FeedMagazine/Kraftfutter (issues 1-2/2024), page 5
    Dairy cows: Special feeding measures, FeedMagazine/Kraftfutter (issues 1-2/2024), page 6