Feed intake levels are expressed as kilograms of dry matter. When we talk about percentages a cow can eat this is related to her body weight. For example 4% of a 500kg cow is 20 kg of dry matter.

The below is for grazing systems. ( TMR can achieve 4% intake )

@calving 2.5% of body weight can be consumed. eg 475 kg cow can eat 12KGDM maximum.

Try to increase intake by 0.5% of body weight per week.

Week 2, 3% of body weight.  475kg cow 14.25 KGDM.

Week 3, 3.5% of body weight. 475kg cow 16.6 kgdm

Week 4, 3.8% of body weight. This is the max you can achieve in a pasture system.  475 kg cow 18 KGDM

Per 25 kg of body weight:

• Week 1.      0.63 KGDM.
• Week 2.      0.75 KGDM.
• Week 3.      0.875 KGDM.
• Week 4.      0.95 KGDM.

Cows can eat about 2KGDM per hour