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Lactation stage mix

42% mid-lactation

The split of the herd across early, mid and late lactation. In a year-round system this composition stays comparatively even through the year and shapes both feed demand and total milk in the vat.

Worked example · Herd composition
30% 42% 28% Early · 84 cows Mid · 118 cows Late · 78
Herd composition
The benchmark

A balanced spread of early, mid and late-lactation cows keeps the vat full year-round and steadies feed demand.

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What it signals

Where the herd sits tells you the feeding job ahead: cows weighted to early lactation are near peak and need maximum energy, while a heavy late-lactation tail signals cows ready to dry off and a gap opening in the vat.

Data required to calculate
Cows by days-in-milk bandheadTotal herdhead

Silo pulls each of these from the sources the operation already uses, and keeps the figure current automatically.

How to improve it
01

Group and feed cows by stage to match energy supply to demand.

02

Hold a steady calving pattern so the vat stays full month to month.

03

Plan dry-off and culling from the late-lactation tail through the year.

Questions & answers

What is lactation stage mix?

The split of the herd across early, mid and late lactation. In a year-round system this composition stays comparatively even through the year and shapes both feed demand and total milk in the vat.

What data do you need to calculate lactation stage mix?

You need: Cows by days-in-milk band (head), Total herd (head). Silo pulls each of these from the sources the operation already uses and keeps the figure current automatically.

What is a good lactation stage mix benchmark?

A balanced spread of early, mid and late-lactation cows keeps the vat full year-round and steadies feed demand.

How do you improve lactation stage mix?

Group and feed cows by stage to match energy supply to demand. Hold a steady calving pattern so the vat stays full month to month. Plan dry-off and culling from the late-lactation tail through the year.

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