Influencing TMR Consumption and Feeding Behaviour in Dairy Cows

Over recent years, Nutriad’s Palatability Business Unit has completed a number of studies, in which the impact of flavours on dairy cow feeding behaviour in relation to TMR diets has been investigated and assessed.
calendar icon 22 June 2016
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Nutriad

Feeding behaviour and the subsequent effect on the overall feed consumption levels of dairy cows fed in a TMR system is a complex subject, with many variables impacting on the total dry matter intakes achieved.

Physiological and physical aspects can all influence total feed consumption and feeding patterns. Ruminants, including dairy cows, have very well developed senses of olfaction (smell) and taste and it is not uncommon to see animals sorting through the TMR feed thereby not consuming the balanced diet that was formulated.

Achieving optimum dry matter intake by ensuring that the TMR feed offered is readily accepted and consumed at all stages of lactation is a critical factor in ensuring whole herd performance.

Studies undertaken by Nutriad at the University of Illinois and the University of Minnesota as well as a number of large scale field trails across several States in the USA have given Nutriad valuable insight into this important subject.

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