@inproceedings{1327335e5fa04137844a07324ca5eb2b,
title = "Precision concentrate rationing to the dairy cow using on-line daily milk composition sensor, milk yield and body weight",
abstract = "The main expense in the dairy operation is food. Individual feeding enables tailoring a precise ration for each cow. New technologies had improved capabilities to ration concentrates individually. However, the absence of an on-line milk composition analyzer restricts the efficient exploitation of these technologies. This hurdle was recently overcome. A new sensor (Afilab{\texttrademark}) that measures milk composition (fat, protein and lactose and gives indication of blood and SCC) for each cow every milking was developed. These results in the acquisition of milk component data as milk yield and body weight data. The objective of this study was to incorporate the on-line milk composition data into the concentrates allocation decision making in order to improve cow performance under a defined economical policy of a commercial dairy by using duel channel computer controlled concentrates dispensers. 23 multiparous cows were fed forages in the common trough and all the concentrates through dual channel computer controlled self feeders. Concentrates were rationed individually according to performance. The NRC 2001 formula for predicting dry matter intake (DMI) of individual cow was applied to calculate protein and ration density. For 11 cows daily concentrates were allocated by using daily milk composition data and for the rest of the cows milk composition recorded by periodical milk test was used. On average milk yield was lower but 4\% fat corrected milk, was significantly higher and relatively less concentrates were allocated to the cows for which decisions were done according to on-line milk composition data. In addition, they had a higher dry matter intake and lost less weight during transition time. The periodical milk test failed to provide the needed information regarding milk fat decrease during transition time which led to rationing concentrates in a level that most likely caused a greater decrease in milk fat during this period.",
keywords = "Body weight, Dairy, Fat, Lactation, Lactose, Protein, Transition time",
author = "E. Maltz and A. Antler and I. Halachmi and Z. Schmilovitch",
year = "2009",
month = dec,
day = "1",
language = "English",
isbn = "9789086861125",
series = "Precision Livestock Farming 2009 - Papers Presented at the 4th European Conference on Precision Livestock Farming",
pages = "17--23",
booktitle = "Precision Livestock Farming 2009 - Papers Presented at the 4th European Conference on Precision Livestock Farming",
note = "4th European Conference on Precision Livestock Farming, ECPLF 2009 ; Conference date: 06-07-2009 Through 08-07-2009",
}