This episode featured as part of the Animal Feed and Nutrition segment in partnership with SealesWinslow.

Early-life growth and rumen development influence a dairy cow’s milk yield across her first four lactations, a seven-year study of 333 heifers has found.

Ajmal Khan, senior scientist and ruminant nutritionist at the Bioeconomy Science Institute, says calves are born with a rudimentary, sterile rumen that develops only as they begin eating solid feed and acquire microbes.

“Animal age drives it,” he says.

Concentrate feeds high in starch trigger fermentation and promote papillae development, while forages provide bulk to expand the rumen.

He says getting the transition wrong carries a cost.

“If you do it abruptly, you’re feeding high milk… the animal will crash because the rumen is not really going to extract those nutrients.”

The study followed animals from birth to about eight years.

“It has lifelong consequences.”

He says heavier young animals also appear to live longer in the herd.

This episode featured as part of the Animal Feed and Nutrition segment in partnership with SealesWinslow. Whether it’s a custom blend or dairy pellet, smart modelling tools, or advice tailored for your farm, SealesWinslow is about nutrition that delivers measurable benefits. Through science, teamwork, and practical guidance, we make sure what you do today sets your herd up for better performance tomorrow. For more information visit https://sealeswinslow.co.nz/

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