Within-day feeding behavior of lactating dairy cows measured using a real-time control system

The suitability of a statistical model for describing within-day feeding behavior, and potential relationships between model parameters and commonly measured experimental variables were examined. Forty multiparous, midlactation Holstein cows were fed using a real-time control system to record the date of each visit to a feeder, entrance time, exit time, and feed consumed over a 6-wk period. Daily feed consumption, number of visits, meal duration, and within-visit rate of food intake were then calculated. Two peaks in within-day rates of feed intake were indicated, suggesting that feeding activity was randomly distributed around each peak, that is, binormal. Parameters describing the distributions (means, standard deviations, and the percentage of total feeding activity associated with each peak) were estimated. An adjusted average of 91% of the variation in within-day feeding activity was explained by the binormal model. Relationships between model parameters and commonly measured experimental variables were also identified; behavioral traits were correlated with total feed intake. Feeding activity patterns in literature data were also amenable to reanalysis by the binormal model. Lactating cows consistently exhibited a distinct diurnal pattern in feeding activity; they were most active near sunrise and again near sunset (crepuscular). Effects of various management operations (e.g., feeding and milking times and frequencies, and lighting) on within-day feeding patterns remain to be established, although a statistical model for evaluating them is now available. The patterns may have important implications for scheduling management activities to maximize feed intake and production.