Structured Dry Cow Feeding in Practice: Insights from Two Farms
Tramsen Family Farm, Dollerup
In Dollerup, near the Danish border, the Tramsen family runs a mixed farm with sow keeping, dairy cows, biogas production and renewable energy. Their herd includes around 280 dairy cows.
Jacob Tramsen explains how they manage their two-phase dry cow feeding system, divided into far-off and close-up groups. The base ration is prepared from the same main components as for the lactating cows: grass silage, corn silage and finely chopped straw to ensure good feed structure.
“We always make a base ration that consists of the same main components as for the lactating cows,” explains the farmer. “The finely mixed straw ensures that the cows actually eat it and get enough structure.”
For the close-up group, the ration is supplemented with concentrated feed, X-Zelit and mineral feed, all precisely weighed and added carefully. To keep the feed fresh when preparing larger rations, the Tramsens add FreshFoss. This allows them to prepare feed for two days while maintaining consistent quality.
Cows are moved out of the close-up group shortly after calving to receive the fresh cow ration. The setup allows for a smooth and well-organised transition between groups and feeding stages.
“You can clearly see that the cows are eager to eat,” Jacob adds. “After calving, they go straight to the feeding table and start eating the lactating ration.”
Hof Schmidt, Gehl
In Gehl, northern Schleswig-Holstein, close to the Danish border, Lisanne Schmid, junior manager at Hof Schmidt, explains how they organise dry cow feeding on their mixed farm. The farm includes 200 dairy cows, arable farming and a 360 kW biogas plant connected to a local heating network.
At Hof Schmidt, all cows receive an on-top ration with X-Zelit Transit starting 14 days before calving.
“All cows receive X-Zelit Transit starting 14 days before calving,” Lisanne explains. “I count the cows and weigh the supplement each day – either in the morning or evening – so that each cow receives the correct amount.”
Cows in this stage are kept in a separate group with headlocks, and new cows are added as they approach calving.
“Once the cows have calved, they leave the group and no longer receive it,” she adds. “Then new cows that are 14 days from calving are added to the group.”
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Everyday Structure, Practical Results
Both farms demonstrate how a structured approach to dry cow feeding can be integrated into everyday work. By focusing on planning, precise weighing and consistency, they maintain practical systems that fit their routines and support well-organised herd management.