Effects of increasing concentrate energy supply on the performance of loose-housed dairy cows fed grass silage-based diets

Summary

This 2003 field trial, conducted in Finland, investigated the effects of increasing concentrate energy supplementation on the performance of loose-housed dairy cows receiving grass silage-based diets. The study likely assessed multiple productivity and metabolic outcomes to determine optimal concentrate feeding strategies under these production conditions. The findings contribute to understanding nutrition management in pasture-based dairy systems common to Nordic and temperate farming regions.

Regional applicability

Finland's dairy production systems, characterised by extensive grass silage feeding and loose-housing, share similarities with United Kingdom grassland-based dairy farming. The findings on concentrate supplementation strategies may be transferable to UK dairy operations, though management practices, forage quality, and housing systems can vary regionally and may influence the applicability of specific recommendations.

Key measures

Milk yield, milk composition (fat, protein, lactose), dry matter intake, body weight change, feed conversion efficiency, and potentially metabolic markers in concentrate-supplemented versus control dairy cow groups

Outcomes reported

The study examined how increasing concentrate energy supply affects the productive performance, feed intake, and metabolic responses of loose-housed dairy cows fed grass silage-based diets. Performance metrics likely included milk yield, milk composition, body weight change, and feed efficiency.

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