Supplementary feeding of dairy cows in early lactation

Abstract

On calving, 40 Canadian Holstein heifers were divided into two groups which grazed the same rotationally managed pastures. One group received 4·54 kg/day of concentrates per cow more than the other. Under these conditions, the group which received the higher level of supplementation (9·1 kg/day/cow) produced significantly more milk and had a significantly higher persistency but a significantly lower butterfat percentage. In terms of the immediate margin over concentrate costs, the lower level of supplementation was most economic. However if a 33 per cent residual effect can be assumed then the higher level of supplementation was profitable.