Automatic individual feeding systems for dairy cows: observations of facility utilization
Year: 2007
Type: book-chapter
Abstract: The objective of this study was to compare the influence of three feeding systems on the utilization of the facilities in a dairy barn. The three feeding systems were: 1) automatic feeding an individual ration; 2) automatic feeding a Total Mixed Ration (TMR) and 3) conventional feeding a TMR at a feeding fence. Automatic feeding decreased the feeding times with 4% and increased the time in the cubicles with 5%. The utilization of both automatic feeding systems showed smaller diurnal fluctuations than that of the conventional feeding system. The type of feeding system and the type of cow routing affect the frequencies of transfers in the transition matrix. Automatic and conventional feeding led to a similar level of dry matter intake by the cows.
Language: English
Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W152144845