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From Feeding to Feeding Systems

Department of Animal Science, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843

D. L. Bath

Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis 95616

B. Harris, Jr.

Department of Dairy Science, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611

ABSTRACT

Major developments characterized changes in feeding and feeding systems during the past 25 yr. The amount of concentrate fed nearly tripled, which was impossible to achieve during twice daily milking in parlors. Herd sizes increased, milk production per cow doubled, and the nutritional significance of social and taste behavior of cows housed in groups and given options for several feeds was gradually recognized; all contributed to the development and adoption of the complete ration system of feeding, especially in larger herds. Computer formulated least-cost rations by linear programming, followed by computer formulation of maximum income programs and development of programmable calculators, increased the economy, accuracy, and ease with which rations can be formulated and feed distributed to dairy cattle.