Application of novel techniques for applied dairy nutrition

Abstract

To increase efficiency and precision of dairy cattle nutrition, novel feeding and feed ingredient technologies need to be continually implemented on farm in order to reduce operation costs and meet nutrient demands for greater milk production. The objectives of this thesis are to determine: 1) The effects of the use of near infrared reflectance analyzer system mounted in the bucket (PDM or IRM) on total mixed ration (TMR) consistency. The IRM system comprises of scale-head, a wireless link between the tractor and scale head, and software that integrates the data from the bucket-mounted NIRS with the scale head. 2) The effects of Parabel Select Lemna Meal, a product from duckweed, on nutrient intake, milk yield and dairy efficiency of lactating dairy cows. 3) The effects of different sources of sugar on in vitro dry matter digestibility and in vitro neutral detergent fiber of corn silage.