Efficiency of Converting Nutrient Dry Matter to Milk in Holstein Herds

Authors

  • J. S. Britt Department of Agriculture, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green 42101-5376
  • R. C. Thomas College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849-5517
  • N. C. Speer Department of Agriculture, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green 42101-5376
  • M. B. Hall Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20044934

Keywords:

milk production, dry matter intake, feed efficiency, factors

Abstract

Production of milk from feed dry matter intake (DMI), called dairy or feed efficiency, is not commonly measured in dairy herds as is feed conversion to weight gain in swine, beef and poultry; however, it has relevance to conversion of purchased input to saleable product and proportion of dietary nutrients excreted. The purpose of this study was to identify some readily measured factors that affect dairy efficiency.

Cover image of the 37th Conference Proceedings: Cattle in pens that stretch to the horizon. Yellow background.

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Published

2004-09-23

Issue

2004

Section

Research Summaries - Dairy I