Dairy concentrate formula (lactating cows) — 100 kg and 1 tonne batch
A worked least-cost dairy concentrate solved against the reference lactating specification. This is the purchased compound only — total ration nutrition depends on your forage analysis, so pair it with a forage test before feeding.
Short answer · solved with the FeedMatch least-cost engine
A lactating dairy concentrate is an 18% crude protein, ~2,750 kcal/kg ME compound fed alongside forage. It combines cereals (maize, barley), a protein source such as soybean or canola meal, wheat bran for rumen-friendly fibre, limestone and dicalcium phosphate, salt and a dairy vitamin-mineral premix.
Mixing sheet — 100 kg and 1 tonne
| Ingredient | Inclusion % | kg per 100 kg | kg per tonne |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barley | 30.05 | 30.05 | 300.5 |
| Wheat bran | 30.00 | 30.00 | 300.0 |
| Canola / rapeseed meal | 20.00 | 20.00 | 200.0 |
| Maize / corn | 13.78 | 13.78 | 137.8 |
| Soybean meal 48% | 3.49 | 3.49 | 34.9 |
| Dicalcium phosphate | 1.33 | 1.33 | 13.3 |
| Limestone | 0.89 | 0.89 | 8.9 |
| Salt (NaCl) | 0.47 | 0.47 | 4.7 |
| Total | 100.00 | 100.00 | 1,000.0 |
Indicative least-cost value at reference raw-material prices: USD 250 per tonne (USD 25.04 per 100 kg). Reference prices are global indications — re-solve with your delivered prices in the feed formulation calculator for a market-accurate cost.
Nutrient summary vs specification
| Nutrient | Formula | Target | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metabolisable energy | 2,750 | min 2,750 | kcal/kg |
| Crude protein | 18.00 | min 18 | % |
| Crude fat | 2.92 | — | % |
| Crude fibre | 7.64 | max 12 | % |
| Calcium | 0.85 | 0.85–1.45 | % |
| Available phosphorus | 0.42 | min 0.42 | % |
| Lysine | 0.84 | — | % |
| Methionine | 0.31 | — | % |
| Methionine + cystine | 0.70 | — | % |
| Threonine | 0.67 | — | % |
| Sodium | 0.22 | min 0.22 | % |
Composition values are typical published reference values (as-fed basis). Verify against supplier certificates of analysis and a qualified nutritionist before commercial use.
How to use this ration
- Concentrate is fed on top of forage; typical allowance is 1 kg concentrate per 2.5–3 litres of milk above maintenance.
- Keep total concentrate below ~55% of dry matter intake to protect rumen health, and split feeding across at least two meals.
- Add rumen buffer (sodium bicarbonate) and, where relevant, rumen-protected fat or protein through the premix line.
Get quotes for the 8 ingredients in this formula
We pre-fill the RFQ with every raw material, its 100 kg and 1-tonne batch quantity, the inclusion percentage and the calculated cost of $250/tonne — so suppliers quote against the exact ration you are mixing.
- Barley
- Wheat bran
- Canola / rapeseed meal
- Maize / corn
- Soybean meal 48%
- Dicalcium phosphate
- Limestone
- Salt (NaCl)
Frequently asked questions
- What protein level should dairy concentrate be?
- 16–20% crude protein depending on forage quality and milk yield. This formula is solved at an 18% CP minimum, which suits mid-to-high yielders on grass or maize silage.
- How much concentrate should a dairy cow get?
- Commonly 1 kg of concentrate per 2.5–3 litres of milk produced above maintenance, capped so concentrate stays under about 55% of total dry matter intake.
- What is the difference between dairy concentrate and a TMR?
- Concentrate is the purchased compound (cereals, protein meals, minerals). A TMR is that concentrate mixed with forage on farm into a single complete ration.
- Can I use canola meal instead of soybean meal in dairy feed?
- Yes — canola/rapeseed meal is a well-proven dairy protein and often the least-cost choice. The solver will select it automatically when its delivered price per unit of protein beats soybean meal.