Limitations and potential for individualised feeding of concentrate supplements to grazing dairy cows

2015 ◽  
Vol 55 (7) ◽  
pp. 922 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Hills ◽  
S. C. García ◽  
B. Dela Rue ◽  
C. E. F. Clark
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Cow Milk ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Feeding Strategies ◽  
Important Distinction ◽  
Large Variability ◽  
Flat Rate ◽  
Stage Of Lactation ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Grazing Dairy Cows

The increasing availability and installation of computerised feeding and milk-monitoring technology in Australia and New Zealand has led to an increased interest in feeding individual cows different amounts and types of supplements over lactation. However, there is confusion about the potential benefits of individualised feeding strategies compared with feeding the same amount of supplement to all cows in the herd on any given day. The majority of bail feeding research conducted over the past 30 years has identified little difference in cow response between flat-rate feeding and more complicated approaches of split feeding or feeding to individual cow milk yield. However, it must be noted that many of these experiments involved animals with ad libitum access to a forage supply. This is an important distinction as individual cows receiving high-quality forage ad libitum would be able to compensate, at least partially, for any shortage in concentrate. Large variability in response to supplements among individual cows within the herd implies that there should be a benefit from individualised bail feeding practices. This review examines the potential for individualised bail feeding in pasture-based dairy systems, considering both system (pasture allowance and type) and cow-level parameters (e.g. dry matter intake, milk yield, genotype, bodyweight, stage of lactation) that could affect the individual cow response to a particular supplement, and discusses the current limitations and future challenges for implementing this technology on farm. Recommendations for future research are made to address any knowledge gaps.

Evaluating feeding strategies for dairy cows: a modelling approach

1983 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. J. Doyle
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Economic Loss ◽  
Feeding Strategies ◽  
Flat Rate ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
Significant Economic Loss ◽  
Modelling Approach

ABSTRACTUsing a model to simulate food intake and the partition of food between milk production and live-weight gain, an attempt has been made to explore the financial implications of different levels and patterns of concentrate feeding, where silage is fed ad libitum. In the case of high-yielding cows it appeared that, although feeding more concentrates increased overall lactation yield, profits per cow and per hectare declined with increasing concentrate usage. This raises doubts concerning the traditional view that higher profits result from increasing yields per cow. Comparing different patterns of feeding it also appeared that there was no significant economic loss from flat-rate compared to stepped feeding of concentrates, where cows had ad libitum access to silage.

Genetic Background of Micellar and Soluble Calcium and Phosphorus Predicted From Bovine Milk Mid-infrared Spectra 

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Franzoi ◽  
Angela Costa ◽  
Mauro Penasa ◽  
Massimo De Marchi
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Protein Content ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Infrared Spectra ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Bovine Milk ◽  
Cow Milk ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mid Infrared ◽  
Milk Coagulation

Abstract BackgroundMid-infrared spectroscopy (MIRS) is a valuable tool to determine milk composition and quality, and to collect data at population level. In milk, Ca and P are partitioned between micellar (MP) and soluble phase (SP), both with important effects on milk coagulation properties; in particular, greater mineral content in MP translates into better milk coagulation ability. Nevertheless, the high analytic costs of gold standard quantification methods hamper the possibility to deepen partition of minerals in MP and SP on a large scale. In this study, MP and SP of Ca and P were predicted from mid-infrared spectra of 111,653 individual milk samples from 9,519 Italian Holstein cows. Sources of non-genetic variation for MP and SP of Ca and P were investigated, and their genetic associations with milk yield, quality and coagulation properties were estimated.ResultsThe MP of Ca and P decreased with parity but increased along the lactation, resembling the trend of protein content. Both MP and SP of Ca and P showed exploitable genetic variation and were heritable, and they were associated with traits of interest for the dairy industry, in particular milk yield and protein content. Furthermore, negative correlations between the two phases of the same mineral were estimated. The MP was negatively related to milk yield.ConclusionsThe MP and SP of the same mineral are negatively correlated, meaning that it is possible to improve mineral partition toward MP, in order to get milk with better technological properties. The current selection index of Italian Holstein breed gives positive emphasis on milk protein (content and yield) and thus it is indirectly improving the MP of Ca and P while reducing their SP content. Future research will focus on the genomic architecture of such traits to evaluate the role of potential specific genes in the determination of these mineral fractions in cow milk.

EFFECTS OF AD LIBITUM VERSUS RESTRICTED INTAKE OF CONCENTRATE AND STAGE OF LACTATION ON THE MINERAL CONTENT OF COW’S MILK

1970 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. J. FISHER ◽  
A. I. MACINTOSH ◽  
R. B. CARSON
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Mineral Content ◽  
Calcium Content ◽  
Sodium Content ◽  
The Other ◽  
Potassium Content ◽  
Magnesium Concentration ◽  
Stage Of Lactation ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Potassium Magnesium

Concentrates, one consisting primarily of oats and the other barley, were fed ad libitum to cows or at the rate of 1 kg per 3 kg of milk yield for an entire lactation. Calcium, potassium, magnesium and sodium content of the milk and milk yield were measured monthly. Potassium content and milk yield decreased and sodium content increased significantly (P < 0.05) with advancing stage of lactation. The calcium content of milk was significantly greater (P < 0.05) when the barley-based compared with the oat-based concentrate was fed. The sodium content of milk from cows fed concentrate ad libitum was significantly higher than from cows fed restricted amounts of concentrate. Ayrshire milk was significantly greater (P < 0.05) in magnesium concentration than Holstein milk.

The effect of pattern of concentrate allocation for autumn-calving cows

1984 ◽  
Vol 1984 ◽  
pp. 7-7
Author(s):  
F. J. Gordon
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Rate System ◽  
Traditional System ◽  
Flat Rate ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Feeding Systems

The traditional system of feeding concentrates according to milk yield implies that higher levels of concentrates are offered during early lactation and that animals of higher yield potential receive greater concentrate inputs than their lower yielding herd-mates. However the results from recent studies would suggest that, when forage is offered ad libitum such an approach will result in no better herd performance than a flat rate system which takes neither of these two factors into consideration. The aim of the present study was to provide further information on this topic for autumn-calving cows, by examining the effects of variations in both the pattern of concentrate allocation over the lactation and the distribution of concentrates between animals within the herd. In the present study step feeding and flat rate feeding systems were compared with each system being operated with either all animals offered similar concentrate levels per animal or alternatively animals of higher yield potential being offered greater concentrate inputs than lower yielding animals.

Prediction of the yields of milk constituents in dairy cows offered silage ad libitum and concentrates at a flat rate

1992 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 313-322 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. J. Rook ◽  
J. D. Sutton ◽  
J. France
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Protein Concentration ◽  
Protein Yield ◽  
Flat Rate ◽  
Lactose Concentration ◽  
Total Milk ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Fat Yield ◽  
Highly Correlated

AbstractIndividually recorded milk yields, yields and concentrations of milk components, food intakes and live weights of multiparous dairy cows given silage ad libitum and concentrates at a flat rate in weeks 4 to 13 of lactation and data for silage and concentrate composition from experiments conducted at four sites, were used to obtain simple correlations and multiple linear regressions of yields and concentrations of milk constituents on other variables.Simple correlations between yields and concentrations and other variables were low. Yield terms were most highly correlated with intake terms. Milk fat concentration was most highly correlated with silage fibre concentration. Milk protein concentration was most highly correlated with digestible energy intake. The best multiple regression models including time effects accounted proportionately for 0·35 of the variation in fat yield, 0·51 in protein yield, 0·55 in lactose yield, 0·39 in total milk yield, 0·19 in fat concentration, 043 in protein concentration and 0·19 in lactose concentration. Most of these models included terms for silage intake and cow live weight which are not generally available on farms. More practical models including fewer independent variates were therefore produced. These models accounted proportionately for 0·33 of the variation in fat yield, 048 in protein yield, 0·50 in lactose yield, 0·32 in total milk yield, 0·19 in fat concentration, 0·40 in protein concentration and 0·17 in lactose concentration.

Early weaning and high feeding level in post-weaning period did not impact milk production in Alpine dairy goats

2018 ◽  
Vol 85 (3) ◽  
pp. 277-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clémence Panzuti ◽  
Gaëlle Mandrile ◽  
Christine Duvaux-Ponter ◽  
Frédéric Dessauge
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Feeding Strategies ◽  
Early Weaning ◽  
Dairy Goats ◽  
Feeding Level ◽  
Feeding Management ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Daily Milk Yield ◽  
The Cost

The experiment reported in this Research Communication aimed to determine the combined effects of early weaning and post-weaning feeding level on growth, reproductive parameters and milk yield in Alpine goats. Sixty-four Alpine goat kids were weaned abruptly at either 12·2 (±1·40) kg (40 d of age, E) or 17·7 (±2·30) kg (60 d of age, No). After weaning, E and No goats were subjected to 2 feeding strategies (n = 16): ad libitum concentrate until 130 d of age and then 620 g DM/d/goat until 200 d of age (EC and NoC) or ad libitum concentrate until 200 d of age (EAL and NoAL). Goats were weighed twice a month until 200 d of age. Pregnancy rate and litter size were recorded. Daily milk yield was measured by milk meter during the first lactation. Up to 60 d of age, average daily gain (ADG) of E kids was significantly lower than No kids. From 60 to 130 d of age, ADG of the four treatments were not different. After 130 d of age, EC and NoC kids had lower ADG than EAL and NoAL kids. Pregnancy rates of EAL and NoAL goats were lower than those of EC and NoC. Milk yield was not modified by weaning weight or feeding management. Milk quality was not affected by any treatment. To conclude, the age at weaning as well as the feeding level after weaning did not negatively impact growth and milk yield. We hypothesise that the establishment of the lactation function is not impacted by rearing management. Hence, decreasing the age at weaning could be an interesting way to reduce the cost of the rearing period in goat kids.

scholarly journals Milk Yield, Milk Composition, and the Nutritive Value of Feed Accessed Varies with Milking Order for Pasture-Based Dairy Cattle

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamila Dias ◽  
Sergio Garcia ◽  
Mohammed (Rafiq) Islam ◽  
Cameron Clark
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Nutrient Use Efficiency ◽  
Milk Composition ◽  
Cow Milk ◽  
Yield Data ◽  
Stage Of Lactation ◽  
Nutrient Use ◽  
The Impact

(1) Background: Pasture varies in its chemical composition from the top of the sward to the base and cattle prefer to eat the leaf fraction. In pasture-based dairy systems, cattle predominantly walk back to pasture voluntarily after each milking, with the first cattle arriving to pasture hours before the last. Here we study the impact of pasture composition according to milking order on milk yield and milk composition for dairy cattle offered grazed ryegrass pasture. (2) Methods: In the first experiment, individual cow milk yield data were recorded on six farms over 8 months. The herd was divided into groups of 50 cows for analysis according to milking order. In the second experiment, the impact of milking order on milk composition and pasture composition accessed was determined in addition to milk yield on three farms. (3) Results: After accounting for age and stage of lactation effects, cattle milked first in experiment 1 produced, on average, 4.5 L/cow/day (+18%; range 14 to 29%) more than cattle milked last. In experiment 2, dairy cattle milked first (first 50 cows) in farm 1 had greater milk, protein, and solids non-fat (SNF) yield; and less lactose content than those milked last (last 50 cows). In farm 2, dairy cattle milked first had greater milk yield, SNF yield, lactose yield, and fat yield; but less protein and SNF content than cattle milked last. In farm 3, cattle milked first produced milk with greater fat and protein content than cattle milked last. In line with these differences in milk yield and composition, the composition of pasture across vertical strata differed, particularly for crude protein (CP) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) content. Conclusion: This work highlights the opportunity to increase herd nutrient use efficiency for improved milk production through strategic pasture allowance and supplementation strategies.

Systems of concentrate allocation for dairy cattle 2. A comparison of two patterns of allocation for autumn-calving cows offered two qualities of grass silage ad libitum

1984 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 325-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Taylor ◽  
J. D. Leaver
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Metabolizable Energy ◽  
Flat Rate ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Period 2 ◽  
Silage Quality ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Different Levels

ABSTRACTIn a 25-week experiment beginning at week 3 post partum, grass silages of 10·5 (H) and 8·9 (L) MJ metabolizable energy per kg dry matter (DM) were offered ad libitum to two groups of 24 autumn-calving dairy cows. Within each silage-quality group, two patterns of concentrate allocation were compared, a flat-rate (F) and a variable rate (V). All four treatment groups, HF, HV, LF and LV, received on average 1575 kg fresh weight per cow of a concentrate containing 170 g crude protein per kg during the 25 weeks. The cows on treatment F were all individually given 9 kg concentrate per day throughout. Individuals on the V treatments received different levels of concentrate, based initially on their 14-day milk yield and then reduced by 1 kg/day at 10, 15 and 20 weeks. For treatments HF, HV, LF and LV respectively, mean adjusted daily milk yields were, 24·4, 24·1, 21·6 and 22·1 kg; intakes of silage DM, 9·1, 8·7, 7·6 and 7·6 kg/day, and live-weight gains, 0·39, 0·31, 0·28 and 0·22 kg/day. The effects of silage quality were significant in each case, but the effects of pattern of concentrate allocation were not. Cows given the H silage produced milk with significantly greater lactose and solids-not-fat concentrations. During the residual period (2 weeks indoors and 14 weeks grazing) no significant differences in milk yield were observed. The 305-day yields of 6215, 6096, 5786 and 5824 kg for treatments HF, HV, LF and LV respectively, reflected the differences obtained during the indoor feeding period.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Milk Production and Milk Composition at Different Stages of Saanen Dairy Goats

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1S) ◽  
pp. 204-211
Author(s):  
Noor Syaheera Ibrahim ◽  
Farida Hani Ahmad Tajuddin
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Goat Milk ◽  
Milk Composition ◽  
Cow Milk ◽  
Local Market ◽  
Dairy Goats ◽  
Food Regulation ◽  
Milk Samples ◽  
Stage Of Lactation

Milk is an important elements due to its high nutritious and balanced in human diet. In Asian, goat milk is the most consumed because of the unique taste, more nutritious than cow milk. However, milk production and composition values differ at every stage of lactation in goats. Thus, determining the highest milk production and producing the best quality goat milk is essential to satisfy the local market demands. The objective of the present study is to determine the milk yield and milk composition at different lactation stages and to evaluate the lactation curves in Saanen goats. The lactation stages can be categorized into three, early (less than 80 days), mid (80 – 140 days) and late (over 140 days) days in milk (DIM). In total, 90 milk samples were collected from 15 goats representing early (n=5), mid (n=5), and late (n=5) stages of lactation. The Saanen goats were raised under the same conditions, and milking was done early in the morning (9.00am).The milk yield from Saanen goats were collected and measured weekly at each stage of lactation. Milk samples were analyzed for fat, protein, solid non-fat, and lactose. Current result illustrated, there were significant different (p ˂ 0.05) among three stages of lactation in milk yield, solid non-fat, fat, protein and lactose. In terms of food regulation, the Saanen goats almost fully met the standard requirements for milk production and composition. In addition, this study also observes the lactation curves in Saanen goats and analyse the curve shapes and patterns. The average milk yields from three different stages develops a concave downward curve. The results indicated that mid yield increased from early to mid- lactation and decreased thereafter until the end of lactation.

The effect of using a programmable out-of-parlour feeder for dairy cows

1984 ◽  
Vol 1984 ◽  
pp. 6-6
Author(s):  
F. J. Gordon
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Individual Animal ◽  
Flat Rate ◽  
Stage Of Lactation ◽  
Milk Output ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Individual Farm ◽  
Nutritional Benefits ◽  
Potential Use

The introduction of fully controlled out-of-parlour concentrate dispensers has brought new opportunities to concentrate feeding for dairy cows. While there may be a number of possible justifications for their use on an individual farm, it is likely that their effect on milk output and efficiency of concentrate use, will be a major factor when assessing their potential use. It has been argued that their ability to not only allow accurate concentrate rationing for each individual animal, based on milk yield, but also the fact that they can increase the frequency with which readily degradable materials, such as concentrates, are fed will provide nutritional benefits which will result in improved animal performance. In contrast the simple flat rate feeding approach implies a uniform feed input to all animals irrespective of stage of lactation or milk yield and also is generally operated on no more than two or three feeds over the 24 hour period. The purpose of the present study was therefore to compare two systems of concentrate feeding involving either the use of an out-of-parlour feeder, in which concentrates were allocated according to the milk yield of the individual animal, or the flat-rate approach. In view of the possibility that there could be an interaction between feeding system and total concentrate input both systems of feeding were compared at two levels of concentrate feeding.

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