A model for analysing alternative feeding strategies during the lactation cycle

R.J. Townsley; C. Grainger, A.A. McGowan

Massey University, Palmerston North

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1981, 41: 28-33

A modelling approach is developed to analyse productive performance of cows at different stages of the lactation cycle. The model accounts for changes in both condition score and milk production, thus allowing a true comparison of nutritional economic efficiency criteria for alternative feeding strategies during the lactation cycle.

The analysis of data from nutrition studies is presented. Results indicate that marginal efficiency of pasture dry matter (DM) conversion to milk, adjusted for condition score changes, are higher for extra DM fed post-calving compared with the same additional DM fed pre-calving.

Keywords: NZSAPAB;

Last Updated 12-09-1998