Effect of a ration change from a total mixed ration to pasture on production, health and rumen physiology of dairy cows

Authors

  • M. Schären Institute of Animal Nutrition, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Bundesallee 50, 38116 Brunswick, Germany
  • K. Dieho Animal Nutrition Group, Wageningen University, De Elst 1, 6708WD Wageningen, The Netherlands
  • G. Seyfang Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Emil-Wolff-Str. 10, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
  • J. Dijkstra Animal Nutrition Group, Wageningen University, De Elst 1, 6708WD Wageningen, The Netherlands
  • U. Meyer Institute of Animal Nutrition, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Bundesallee 50, 38116 Brunswick, Germany
  • G. Breves Department of Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20163431

Abstract

In temperate climate zones dairy cows need to be fed with conserved feed during winter, and are then often gradually transitioned to a pasture-based ration in spring. We hypothesized that the change from a confinement to a pasture-based system involves complex nutritional and metabolic adaptations with consequences on health and performance.  

Cover image of the 49th Conference Proceedings: An image of a herd of Angus cattle grazing in a field at dusk. Yellow background.

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Published

2016-09-15

Issue

2016

Section

Posters