The effect of linseed meal supplementation of dairy cows in early lactation on milk yield and composition: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Hons.) in the University of Canterbury

Abstract

Twenty autumn-calving Friesian heifers and ten autumn-calving Friesian cows from the Lincoln College dairy farm were divided into three groups. Each group was fed ryegrass-clover pasture ad libitum and were supplemented with Iinseed meal, barley meal or not at alI. The effects on milk yield, fat yield, protein yield and milk composition were studied. No significant differences resulted between the two treatment groups and there was no significant correlation between meal intake and production parameters. It would appear, therefore, that either protein was not limiting on this pasture diet or the Iinseed meal did not provide sufficient by-pass protein to have any affect.