The year is 2015, and the philosophy for feeding a robotic milking herd is to feed limited energy at the bunks so the cows go to the robots for the remainder of their nutrient requirements; more energy available in the robot means more visits and ultimately more milk.

The use of feed additives in livestock diets is part of many nutritional strategies to help optimize performance, health and the well-being of animals.

A close examination of the feed ration reveals that the garden salad-looking bovine meal may contain corn silage, hay and flaked corn.

Supplementing feed with liquid molasses is one way to improve the nutrient density and digestibility of feed for dairy cows.

Even when a farm does everything right prior to feedout, silage piles that are subjected to less-than-ideal face management have the potential for massive spoilage.

Close monitoring of dietary protein, shade, cooling systems and ventilation will all keep cows cooler during the heat of summer.

Successful dairies achieve consistent performance by implementing protocols that reduce variation within their operation. They do everything they can to limit the internal and external pressures cows face, while creating resilient animals that can withstand the pressures beyond their control.