Getting more milkfat has been a constant goal in our industry. Along with milk protein, fat production serves as a main driver for farm financial success and, therefore, has been a targeted topic for genetic improvement, diet formulation and dairy research.

In our previous article, we discussed altering nutrition and management during overcrowding of lactating cows.

As milk prices continue to squeeze the dairy industry, many producers utilize overcrowding to maximize efficiency of facilities and keep bulk tanks full. Previous work from Albert De Vries and colleagues at the University of Florida has demonstrated economic benefit to this strategy, with optimal return at approximately 120% in lactating pens.