Effectiveness of the Dairy Cattle Feed Formulation System in Developing Lactating Rations

Thirty Virginia dairy herds were solicited as cooperator herds. The objective was to test in the field the Dairy Cattle Feed Formulation System, a computerized feeding management system. During 12 mo, 13 herds used recommendations of the system regularly, 5 herds were occasional users or made modifications to the recommendations, 11 herds followed other feeding recommendations, and one herd was dropped from the study. Increase in milk production during 12 mo averaged 354, 220, and −39kg per cow for regular, occasional, and no formulation users. Milk fat test, body weight, and body condition were not affected by frequency of using the formulation system. Days open were reduced in herds which were regular users (−13.5, 6.8, and 2.1). The coefficient of variability for milk production within herds was 28%. When herds were divided into two groups of lactating cows or when herds used automatic (magnetic) feeders, daily milk yield averaged 28.1, 17.4, and 33.3kg, for high and low groups or cows with access to automatic feeders. Coefficients of variability were 13, 22, and 10%.