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Stabilizing Total Mixed Ration Dry Matter to Mitigate Environmental-Relative-Humidity Effects on Lactating Cow
Yi-Hsuan Chen1, Yi-Ming Chen2, Po-An Tu1
1Northern Region Branch, Taiwan Livestock Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Sihoo Township, Miaoli 368003, Taiwan.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|April 26, 2025
Summary
Environmental relative humidity impacts hay and total mixed ration (TMR) dry matter (DM). Adjusting TMR DM content stabilizes milk production in lactating cows, especially during heat stress.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Dairy Nutrition
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Environmental relative humidity (ERH) affects forage and feed dry matter (DM).
- Maintaining consistent TMR DM is crucial for lactating cow performance.
- ERH variability can impact milk yield and composition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of ERH on hay and TMR DM.
- To explore strategies for stabilizing milk production through TMR DM adjustments.
- To test the hypothesis that precise TMR DM adjustments mitigate ERH effects.
Main Methods:
- Experiment 1: Compared DM variability in grass vs. alfalfa hay under high ERH.
- Experiment 2: Assessed TMR DM stability under high daily ERH variability.
- Experiment 3: Evaluated precise TMR DM adjustments in lactating cows under varying THIs.
Main Results:
- Grass hay showed higher DM variability than alfalfa hay under high ERH.
- High ERH variability (>25%) led to fluctuations in hay moisture and TMR DM.
- Adjusting TMR DM improved milk yield and reduced milk composition variation during heat stress.
Conclusions:
- Monitoring hay DM and adjusting TMR DM are effective strategies.
- These adjustments stabilize milk production and composition under variable ERH and heat stress.
- Dairy producers can enhance cow performance through routine DM monitoring and TMR adjustments.
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