For some, there has been a significant drop in butterfat percentage in milk over the last few weeks. However, it is normal to see a dip in butterfat at this time of year, but it not necessarily an issue with nutrition.

The thing to note is that genetics has a big influence on butterfat content and there is a big variation in butterfat content in herds around the country.

The stage in lactation also affects the butterfat content in milk due to the dilution of the solids and in April and May butterfat is normally at its lowest as cows are at peak production.

Guide

As a general guide, the fat percentage will run at 0.35 to 0.45 units below annual herd average during peak production.

Therefore, if the annual butterfat average is 4.10, having a butterfat percent of 3.65 to 3.75 now is normal.

Having said that, some may be falling below the norm and this may be down to lush, fresh, leafy grass available during the second and third rotations, which is very low in fibre.

Protein content can often be variable during May from farm to farm

At that stage, offering straw to the cow or looking at a more fibre base nut in the parlour may be beneficial.

Protein content can often be variable during May from farm to farm. Leaving aside the genetics of the cow here, what farmers are finding is having the biggest effect on the protein percentage in the tank.

At this stage, you like to see protein content only going one way and that’s increasing. To achieve this, you really need to be on top of your grass management.

Paddock management

Once paddocks go above 1,600kg/ha cover, the protein percentage is being hit.

When the grass plant goes past the three-leaf stage, a leaf dies and now the quality of the feed is sufficiently lower.

Trying to get cows to clean out paddocks that were poorly grazed in the first and second rotations is hitting the tank, as you are forcing cows to eat more dead material and poor-quality grass.

Old pasture has the same effect, as the quality of the feed in general is not as good as the top varieties on the PPI list.

On the flip side, paddocks with a high clover content are boosting solid production on farms at the moment.

Summary

In summary, to get the best chance of maximising milk solid production in May through grass management, focus on achieving residuals in your first and second rotations, graze 1,400kg/ha covers and choose top-performing grass varieties of the PPI list with the inclusion of clover when reseeding paddocks.