Decision support tools to optimise conversion of pasture to milk

Abstract

This paper examines the logic behind the efficient feeding of grazing dairy cows with the objective of improving on-farm productivity. Efficient utilisation of feeds by grazing dairy cows requires a detailed knowledge and understanding of feed budgeting principles, based on an understanding of seasonal pasture growth and pasture accumulation rates, nutritive characteristics of the pasture consumed, relationships between allowance of pasture and pasture intake, and interactions between pasture and supplementary feeds. Decision support tools that assist in making complex operational decisions to more efficiently feed grazing dairy cows have been briefly reviewed.