18. “Where are my missing milksolids?” Part two – Cow-based factors that influence post-peak decline in milksolids production

In our first podcast in this three-part series, we explored factors that influence milksolids production from calving through to peak production in New Zealand spring calved dairy herds - take a listen to part one to catch up on that discussion.  In this, our latest part in this “Where are my missing milksolids?” series, we move onto the next stage in the lactation curve - the post-peak decline (or "crash off peak") in milksolids production experienced by spring calved dairy herds during late spring and early summer. First up we'll explore cow-based factors responsible for post-peak decline that prevent cows from having a flat lactation curve post-peak. Everything from why the cow (and udder) simply can’t run a flat lactation curve, through to the effects of all manner of hormones, the body condition score, age and health and wellbeing of the cow as well as the social structure of the herd on post-peak decline. Hot and bothered cows are more likely to drop away off peak quickly too – so this episode will wrap up this podcast with looking at the role for heat and humidity in the rate and extent of post peak decline by dairy cows.  Subscribe to The Rumen Room Podcast on your favourite steaming platform - and/or join The Rumen Room on Facebook so that you don't miss our third and final episode in this three-part series. Part three will step us through the pasture-based reasons that spring calved herds "crash off peak" including a range of tips, tricks and ideas around reducing this often spectacular steep drop off in milksolids production during late spring and early summer.