Items that would come to mind:
1. Type of forage (hay or silage)
2. Particle size of the silage and moisture level
3. Grain and starch forms and levels
4. Level of feed intake
5. Amount of milk produced
Mike Hutjens, Extension Dairy Specialist, University of Illinois - Illini DairyNET
In addition to all of the good suggestions related to feed concerns by Dr. Hutjens, one also needs to consider feeding management factors. Is grain fed separately? If so, you might consider moving to a total mixed ration (TMR) system. Even within a TMR system, one needs to determine if the cows are sorting their diet and not eating the forage portion appropriately. Overcrowding issues might also result in cows having limited opportunity at the feed bunk and then "slug feed," potentially resulting in ruminal acidosis problems. Issues with feed availability can also lead to such abnormal feeding behaviors.
Robert Van Saun, Extension Veterinarian, Penn State University
