Adaptation of dairy cows to change in a computer-controlled concentrates feeding routine
2002
Livshin, N. | Maltz, E. | Antler, A. (Agricultural Research Organization The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan (Israel). Inst. of Agricultural Engineering)
A new fixed-time routine with six equal diurnal feeding cycles was introduced, replacing a long-term former routine diurnal cycles. The adaptation process was investigated for changes in cows' visit timing and intensity during 1-5 day intervals for 3 months. After 3 months, the mean number of visits to feeders after non-attendance periods from 0.5 to 4 h was 1.5 times greater than under the previous feeding routine - the rise proportional to the increase in diurnal number of feeding cycles. The increase in visits frequency alone, does not explain the cows adaptation to new feeding routine. The adaptation consists of a gradual acquaintance to new timing on one hand and abandoning old visits timing on the other. Stable visiting patterns, including visits timing and intensity, may be the appropriate criterion of cows' adaptation to new feeding environment on top of consuming the daily ration
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