Summary
This 2001 study investigated how different strategies for allocating concentrated feeds in the periparturient period—spanning the dry period immediately before calving and early lactation—influenced feed intake behaviour and subsequent lactational performance in dairy cows. The research suggests that the timing and pattern of concentrate supplementation during this metabolically critical transition may influence both immediate feed consumption and longer-term production outcomes, a finding relevant to optimising dairy nutritional management during high-risk periods.
Regional applicability
The study was conducted in Denmark and addresses fundamental dairy cow nutrition in the transition period, a challenge common to temperate dairy systems including the United Kingdom. Findings on concentrate allocation strategies are directly applicable to UK dairy farming practice, though herd genetics, forage quality and climate conditions may moderate effect sizes.
Key measures
Voluntary feed intake, milk yield, milk composition, and lactational performance metrics
Outcomes reported
The study examined how the timing and pattern of concentrate (supplementary feed) allocation during the dry period and early lactation affected voluntary feed intake and milk production performance in lactating dairy cows.
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