BRIEF COMMUNICATION: The effect of feed restriction during peak lactation on milk production parameters
J.K. KAY, C.V.C. PHYN, Y.J. WILLIAMS, J.R. ROCHE, C.R. BURKE and S. MEIER
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production 69: 24-26
Adverse weather conditions that reduce pasture growth and/or quality can place the lactating dairy cow under periods of transitory nutritional stress. Previous research that has focused on the effects of feed restrictions in a pasture-based dairy system have imposed feed deficits either pre-calving (Roche, 2007), immediately post-calving for five to six weeks (Bryant & Trigg, 1979; Roche, 2007) or up to a 23% restriction in dry matter intake (DMI) (Bryant & Trigg, 1979). All experiments reported an immediate reduction in milk production; however, the longer-term effects varied depending on... Continued
Keywords: NZSAPAB; feed restriction; pasture; milk production.
Last Updated 14/07/2009