While we know nutrition is a cornerstone of well-being for humans and animals, it has a large significance in the life of a cow, from calf to mature adult. Dr. Kevin Dill,  director of dairy technical innovation for Purina, says cattle nutrition is not a one-size-fits-all model. He explains the importance of balancing proper nutrition and farm management to have healthy and productive cows.

The starting point for ensuring proper nutrition is the establishment of nutrient requirement lists for cattle. These lists serve as a basis for creating ration models, which are crucial for delivering the right balance of nutrients to the animals.

"The producer's role in fine-tuning the amount of nutrients consumed by the animals is essential, as it involves managing on-farm practices, facilities, and interactions to guarantee optimal nutrition," says Dill.