GENETIC DIFFERENCES IN FEED UTILIZATION BY DAIRY CATTLE

The Relation of Phosphorus Deficiency to the Utilization of Feed in Dairy Cattle

Nutritional Control of Feed Intake in Dairy Cattle

Feed intake is determined by many interacting factors and prediction of feed intake is the “Achilles heel” of diet formulation. Many different diet characteristics interact with environment and physiological state of cows, making it difficult to predict feed intake accurately. However, understanding the factors controlling feeding allows us to manipulate diets to optimize feed intake. Eating is...

Sterigmatocystin in dairy cattle feed contaminated with Aspergillus versicolor.

Sterigmatocystin (7.75 micrograms/g of feed) and a high-propagule-density of Aspergillus versicolor were detected in feed associated with acute clinical symptoms of bloody diarrhea and death in dairy cattle. Nine isolates of A. versicolor from the feed produced 13 to 89 micrograms of sterigmatocystin per g on cracked corn and lower amounts in liquid culture. This is the first report of sterigma...

Considerations for Improving Feed Efficiency in Dairy Cattle

Intensive selection of sires is possible by using artificial insemination; coupled with accurate measurement of a potential sire’s genetic value, this has markedly improved genetics for easily measured traits like milk production and type traits. Increased milk production has in turn increased gross feed efficiency through dilution of maintenance. Additional genetic gains in feed efficiency wou...

Genetic Evaluation of Dairy Cattle in Canada

The calculation and publication of all dairy cattle genetic evaluations in Canada is the responsibility of Canadian Dairy Network (CDN). An 8-member board of directors, the majority being dairy producers, governs this non-profit national organization. Member organizations include all breed associations, milk recording agencies and artificial insemination centres across Canada as well as Dairy F...