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A note on the effect of cyclical changes in energy intake on lactating dairy cows

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

D. S. Scrimgeour
Affiliation:
Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Agriculture, 581 King Street, Aberdeen AB9 1UD
J. K. Thompson
Affiliation:
Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Agriculture, 581 King Street, Aberdeen AB9 1UD
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Summary

Twelve Ayrshire cows which had reached or just passed peak lactation were selected and divided into two balanced groups. One group was fed strictly according to yield. The other was fed overall according to yield, but was subjected to a 4-day cycle of energy intake. For 2 days energy intake was 12·2% above calculated requirements and for the next 2 days intake was 12·2% below calculated requirements. The treatment was imposed for 10 weeks and milk yield and composition, body weight and blood composition were measured in both groups of cows. A significant variation in daily milk yield and daily solids-not-fat yield was found to follow the feed cycle. Blood composition showed no significant variation.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1975

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References

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