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Rationale of feeding systems for lactating dairy cows
1Department of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, University of Leeds, UK.
The Journal of Dairy Research
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Nutritional strategies can alter the lactation cycle in cows. This study developed a new mathematical model to better predict lactation based on feeding, improving farm management.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Dairy Nutrition
- Mathematical Modeling
Background:
- Current lactation models inadequately represent diverse British farm feeding systems.
- Nutritional regimens manipulate the lactation cycle, often restricting its physiological course.
- Existing models focus on average lactation time courses for groups of cows.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate existing lactation models.
- To develop a novel approach for rationalizing lactation observations.
- To provide a more accurate model for varied farm feeding systems.
Main Methods:
- Critical evaluation of several existing lactation models.
- Development of an integral equation approach.
- Rationalization of experimental observations and biological concepts.
Main Results:
- Existing lactation models were found to be inadequate for diverse feeding systems.
- A new integral equation approach was developed.
- The new approach rationalizes experimental data and biological principles.
Conclusions:
- A novel integral equation model offers improved prediction of lactation cycles.
- This model better accommodates the variety of feeding systems on farms.
- Enhanced modeling can improve dairy farm management practices.