Differential effects of short-term once-daily milking on milk
composition and selected blood metabolites in cows with high or low
pasture intake.
M.J. Auldist and C.G. Prosser.
Dairying Research Corporation Ltd, Private Bag 3123, Hamilton.
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1998,
58: 41-43
Forty-eight Friesian cows were subjected to ad libitum grazing
(pasture allowance 45 kg/cow/day) or restricted grazing (pasture
allowance 16-18 kg/cow/day) in a cross-over experiment during spring.
Mean milk yields for ad libitum and restricted cows after 10 day
treatment periods were 21.4 and 16.2 l/day respectively. All cows were
then subjected to once-daily milking (ODM) for 2 days. ODM reduced milk
yield and casein:whey protein ratios but increased concentrations of
fat, serum albumin, immunoglobulin G, whey protein and somatic cells.
Effects of ODM were greater in fully fed and thus higher-producing cows.
In blood, ODM decreased concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids and
urea, but increased concentrations of glucose. Milk yield and
composition were significantly affected by short-term ODM, but the
effect was less in cows producing below their peak due to feed
restriction. There were metabolic indications that ODM reduced the
nutritional demands of milk production.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Milk composition; milking frequency; once-daily milking, restricted grazing.
Last Updated 12-09-1998
