Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Dry Matter Intake, Milk Performance And Production Efficiency From Spring Calving Dairy Cows Offered Grass-Only, Grass-White Clover And Total Mixed Ration Diets, E. Fitzpatrick, Luc Delaby, Trevor J. Gilliland, D. Hennessy

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

In pasture-based dairy production systems, dry matter intake (DMI) is one of the main factors curtailing milk production and production efficiency. The inclusion of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) in swards of perennial ryegrass (PRG; Lolium perenne L.) can increase DMI from increased sward nutritive value over a grass-only sward. Feeding a fully balanced TMR diet can enhance milk production as a result of greater DMI and through greater control of feed quality. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the relationship between DMI, milk production, and energy efficiencies for dairy cows consuming different diets. A farm …