FEEDING STRATEGIES FOR DAIRY COWS

M. R. Weisbjerg

Abstract: Milk production is developing heavily in these years. Based mainly on Danish experience and experiments, this paper discusses different feeding principles. Further, dairy cows response to energy and nutrients is discussed. Milk yield response to energy depends on herd yield potential and the forage quality, and response is diminishing with increased energy intake. Milk yield responses to supplemental protein can be large, but oversupply can harm production and negatively impact the environment. Milk yield responses to supplemental fat can be substantial, and can reduce enteric methane production. Strategies for energy and nutrient supply over the lactation have the potential both to increase milk production and to reduce the environmental impact.

Keywords: cows; feeding; strategies

Date published: 2017-03-15