Feeding a Show Heifer and a Milking Cow for Condition Without Overdoing It

Dairy cattle are judged differently from beef cattle. A beef steer is supposed to carry finish, which means fat. A dairy heifer or cow is supposed to look sharp, angular and refined, with strong bone, a clean blend and plenty of body capacity, and fat cover is a fault if it is excessive. Overfeeding a dairy animal to make her look rounded and glossy often backfires, in the ring and in the barn, since fat in the wrong places hurts milk production, fertility and structural soundness.

This guide covers general principles of feeding Holstein show heifers and milking cows so they look their best and stay healthy. Rations depend on age, size, season, forages and your goals, so work with a dairy nutritionist, extension agent or experienced exhibitor. If you want to find dairy nutrition workshops near you, agriculture.directory can help you find agriculture events in your area.

What Judges Want to See

Dairy judges look for dairy character, which includes angularity, openness of rib, clean neck and a sharp, refined appearance, as well as capacity, which is depth and spring of rib to hold feed. Excess fat covers these traits. The goal is steady growth in a heifer and good, but not excessive, condition in a cow. The Holstein Association USA publishes type trait information that describes these characteristics.

Start With Forage

Quality forage is the foundation of a dairy ration. Good hay, silage or pasture provides fiber for the rumen, energy and protein. Have your forage tested so you know what you are feeding. Many show heifers do well on good-quality forage with a balanced grain mix, and many problems arise from poor-quality hay or too much concentrate. University programs like University of Wisconsin Extension and University of Minnesota Extension dairy publish information on forage quality and dairy nutrition.

Growing Heifers: Steady Is the Goal

For heifers, steady, moderate growth is generally recommended. Heifers that grow too fast and get too fat can have reduced mammary development, which can limit milk production later. Heifers that grow too slowly may reach breeding age late or small. Many dairies target a growth curve that puts heifers at a certain percentage of their mature weight at breeding and calving, and extension programs provide charts. Weigh or tape heifers regularly, and adjust feeding to stay on target.

Grain and Supplements

Use a balanced mix. Commercial heifer and dairy rations are formulated to meet protein, energy, mineral and vitamin needs.
Feed measured amounts. Weigh feed rather than guessing.
Avoid sudden changes. Move up or down gradually.
Be careful with additives. Many supplements are unnecessary, and some are restricted by show rules or have withdrawal times.

The Merck Veterinary Manual covers dairy cattle nutrition and common metabolic problems.

Milking Cows and Show Condition

A fresh cow in early lactation often loses body condition, since she produces more milk than she can eat energy to support, and that is normal to a degree. A cow that shows well usually has good condition for a lactating animal, with visible dairy character, and not extreme fat. Overfeeding a cow to look good for the show can cause digestive upsets, ketosis and other metabolic problems. Work with your vet and nutritionist, and do not change the ration drastically before the show.

Body Condition Scoring

Dairy cattle are typically scored on a 1 to 5 scale, where 1 is very thin and 5 is very fat. Many programs aim for moderate condition, often around 3 for lactating cows, with adjustments by stage. Learn to score by feeling the pins, hooks, tailhead and loin. Resources from universities and the dairy industry explain scoring in detail. Condition score is a better guide than a mirror.

Water

Dairy animals need large amounts of clean, fresh water. Water intake affects feed intake and milk production. Keep water clean and available at all times, and take extra care in hot weather.

Show Week Feeding

Keep to the usual routine. Provide familiar feed, and avoid trying new feeds. Watch for changes in appetite and manure. Heat, travel and noise can reduce feed intake, so offer hay and water often.

Signs You Are Overdoing It

Fat deposits at the tailhead, brisket and flanks.
Loss of angularity and dairy character.
Reduced appetite or loose manure.
Sore feet or lameness.
For heifers, rapid weight gain beyond the target curve.

Common Mistakes

Feeding for fat. Dairy type values angularity and capacity.
Poor forage. It is the foundation of the ration.
Sudden changes. Rumens need time to adapt.
Ignoring body condition. Score regularly.
Skimping on water. It drives intake.

Farm.fm's page on a dairy nutrition expert who gives a cow a personalized diet while the farmer eats a gas station burrito is a humor piece on the subject, and for a different laugh, see farm.fm's humor piece on dairy cows demanding better working conditions than the humans get.