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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 22 November 2017
Improving the sustainability and overall longevity and health of modern Holstein Friesian (HF) dairy cattle is essential in order to maintain overall farm profitability. Prolonged negative energy balance in early lactation can result in metabolic stress, as well as long term problems with fertility (Pryce et al., 2004). In addition, maximising the efficiency of nitrogen (N) utilisation by strategies such as reducing the crude protein content of the diet is of crucial importance in minimising the environmental impact of dairying. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a range of nutritional strategies on milk production, energy balance and efficiency of N use in early lactation.