Feeding the dairy cow and the economics of supplementation: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the Diploma in Farm Management at Lincoln College

Abstract

On any commercial dairy farm there are two basic resources governing the return of the property - cows and pasture. Dairy cows are a very efficient means of converting grass into a sale able product - milk. As costs increase and net incomes of dairy farmers fall it is essential to have an understanding of the critical times for feeding dairy cows to achieve maximum production . Climate, and consequently pasture growth varies from season to season and year to year . This variability means it is essential to be looking well ahead of yourself and to be able to plan so that restrictions in the available feed can be overcome with the least possible effect on production. This review aims to point out and discuss the findings from recent research which are of practical significance today.