Journal of Animal Science, Vol 73, Issue 9 2791-2803, Copyright © 1995 by American Society of Animal Science

JOURNAL ARTICLE

Feeding behavior and management factors during the transition period in dairy cattle

R. J. Grant and J. L. Albright
Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska, Lincoln 68583-0908, USA.

Little research has focused specifically on the relationships among feeding behavior, management strategy, and optimal intake by the transition cow. Most information must be extrapolated from studies of cattle at other stages of lactation. The transition period can be divided into two distinct phases: 5 to 7 d prepartum, characterized by a 30% reduction in DMI, and 0 to 21 d postpartum, during which time intake should increase rapidly. Feed restriction can reduce number of daily meals by 50%, but when feed is offered for ad libitum consumption, with consistent time of feeding, access can be limited to 8 h daily with no adverse effects on performance of midlactation cows. Sequence of offering feeds may affect intake, but relative degradabilities of dietary protein and starch need to be considered. During early lactation, increased feeding frequency of a total mixed diet may most improve intake when dietary fermentability is moderate to high and management quality is poor. High-producing dairy cows achieve greater intake by increasing meal size and spending less time eating and ruminating per unit of intake. Control of feed intake and meal patterns may differ by parity and should be considered when grouping cattle. Daily exercise of tied dairy cows may not affect intake. Grouping strategy and group feeding behavior influence cow productivity and profitability. Competition for feed and space can be reduced by fenceline feeding vs bunks. Optimum intake during the transition period will occur only if feeding management accommodates normal feeding behavior of dairy cows.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				A. Bach, N. Valls, A. Solans, and T. Torrent Associations Between Nondietary Factors and Dairy Herd Performance J Dairy Sci, August 1, 2008; 91(8): 3259 - 3267. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				N. Chapinal, D. M. Veira, D. M. Weary, and M. A. G. von Keyserlingk Technical Note: Validation of a System for Monitoring Individual Feeding and Drinking Behavior and Intake in Group-Housed Cattle J Dairy Sci, December 1, 2007; 90(12): 5732 - 5736. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				P. Mantysaari, H. Khalili, and J. Sariola Effect of feeding frequency of a total mixed ration on the performance of high-yielding dairy cows. J Dairy Sci, November 1, 2006; 89(11): 4312 - 4320. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. A. Adewuyi, J. B. Roelofs, E. Gruys, M. J. M. Toussaint, and F. J. C. M. van Eerdenburg Relationship of plasma nonesterified fatty acids and walking activity in postpartum dairy cows. J Dairy Sci, August 1, 2006; 89(8): 2977 - 2979. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. Rotger, A. Ferret, X. Manteca, J. L. R. de la Torre, and S. Calsamiglia Effects of dietary nonstructural carbohydrates and protein sources on feeding behavior of tethered heifers fed high-concentrate diets J Anim Sci, May 1, 2006; 84(5): 1197 - 1204. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. M. Huzzey, T. J. DeVries, P. Valois, and M. A. G. von Keyserlingk Stocking Density and Feed Barrier Design Affect the Feeding and Social Behavior of Dairy Cattle J Dairy Sci, January 1, 2006; 89(1): 126 - 133. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. Bach, C. Iglesias, M. Devant, and N. Rafols Performance and Feeding Behavior of Primiparous Cows Loose Housed Alone or Together with Multiparous Cows J Dairy Sci, January 1, 2006; 89(1): 337 - 342. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. F. Ettema and J. E. P. Santos Impact of Age at Calving on Lactation, Reproduction, Health, and Income in First-Parity Holsteins on Commercial Farms J Dairy Sci, August 1, 2004; 87(8): 2730 - 2742. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				W. C. Stone Nutritional Approaches to Minimize Subacute Ruminal Acidosis and Laminitis in Dairy Cattle J Dairy Sci, July 1, 2004; 87(13_suppl): E13 - 26. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				N. B. Cook, K. V. Nordlund, and G. R. Oetzel Environmental Influences on Claw Horn Lesions Associated with Laminitis and Subacute Ruminal Acidosis in Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, July 1, 2004; 87(13_suppl): E36 - 46. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. L. Edwards and P. R. Tozer Using Activity and Milk Yield as Predictors of Fresh Cow Disorders J Dairy Sci, February 1, 2004; 87(2): 524 - 531. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				T. J. DeVries, M. A. G. von Keyserlingk, and K. A. Beauchemin Short Communication: Diurnal Feeding Pattern of Lactating Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, December 1, 2003; 86(12): 4079 - 4082. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				T. J. DeVries, M. A. G. von Keyserlingk, D. M. Weary, and K. A. Beauchemin Measuring the Feeding Behavior of Lactating Dairy Cows in Early to Peak Lactation J Dairy Sci, October 1, 2003; 86(10): 3354 - 3361. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]