Feeding frequency for lactating cows: effects on digestion, milk production and energy utilization

The results are reported of four feeding experiments in which lactating cows were given fixed rations of hay and high-cereal concentrates at different meal frequencies. In Expt 1 the total ration was given in two and twenty-four meals daily and in Expts 2-4, the concentrates were given in two and five or six meals and the hay was given twice daily. The diets contained 600-900 g concentrate/kg. In all the experiments, more frequent feeding of these low-roughage diets reduced milk fat depression and increased milk fat yield. In each experiment the increase was greater with the diet containing the lower proportion of hay. There was no significant effect on milk yield, the protein or lactose contents of the milk or live-weight gain. Digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and energy was increased in one of the experiments but not in two others in which it was measured. More frequent feeding was calculated to increase the net energy secreted in milk and there was a tendency for it to increase the net energy in live-weight gain with diets containing 600 or 700 g concentrate/kg but to decrease it with diets containing 800 or 900 g concentrate/kg. These results are discussed in relation to theories of energy partition in lactating cows. It is concluded that at fixed feed intakes, the main response to increased meal frequency is likely to be a reduction in milk fat depression and that this will be confined to diets containing not more than about 200 g modified acid-detergent fibre/kg dry matter.