HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Bath, D. L. Articles by Dean, G. W. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Bath, D. L. Articles by Dean, G. W.

Computer-Formulated Least-Cost Concentrate Mixes for Dairy Cows

Agricultural Extension Service

G. W. Dean

Department of Agricultural Economics, University of California, Davis

ABSTRACT

Four feeding trials involving 251 dairy cows were conducted to compare the performance of cows fed commercial concentrate mixes with cows fed iso-nutrient least-cost concentrate mixes. Double-reversal designs were used in three trials and the fourth was a 300-day trial. Various methods of allotting concentrates (free-choice in the milking parlor, according to production, and the same amount to all cows) were used in the different trials. All concentrate mixes were pelleted. The cows fed the least-cost mixes produced 1.31, -0.02, and -0.67 kg more milk with 0.13, 0.06, and 0.0% less milk fat than the cows fed the control mixes. Production in the 300-day trial was 6,912 kg milk with 3.66% milk fat and 6,672 kg milk with 3.75% milk fat for the least-cost and control treatments, respectively. Differences were significant in only the first of the double-reversal trials. Prices of the least cost mixes were $4.49, $2.99, and $1.05 per metric ton less than the control mixes.

¹ Animal Science Extension, University of California, Davis.

² University of California Agricultural Extension Service, Riverside County.

³ University of California Agricultural Extension Service, San Joaquin County.

⁴ University of California Agricultural Extension Service, San Bernardino County.