Publication Date
1997
Description
A model was developed to simulate a milk production system. The program determines the milk production based on energy nutrition, calving date, cow potential and defines grazing sequence and harvesting dates. It can simulate different stocking rates, paddock sizes, levels of production according to pasture quality, seasonal production and concentrate intake. The output of the model is used for an economical analysis which evaluates costs and returns; for some of the most sensitives factors that affect economic returns like prices of milk and concentrate, pasture production and others. The program makes an analysis of sensitivity where these factors are varied according to predetermined levels. Different systems were evaluated varying the following factors: milk production potential, level of alfalfa, corn silage and concentrate, calving season. Milk production increased as level of concentrate increased, net income per ha increased as level of alfalfa in the ration was increased with an optimum of 12-15 kg/cow/day. Optimum level of concentrate varies according to potential milk production and prices of milk and concentrate. Price difference between spring and winter affects optimum calving date.
Citation
Jahn, E; Gutierrez, G; Velasco, R; and Silva, M, "A Model to Determine the Optimum Forage Combination and Level of Concentrate for Dairy Cows" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1997-2023). 19.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1997/session19/19
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
A Model to Determine the Optimum Forage Combination and Level of Concentrate for Dairy Cows
A model was developed to simulate a milk production system. The program determines the milk production based on energy nutrition, calving date, cow potential and defines grazing sequence and harvesting dates. It can simulate different stocking rates, paddock sizes, levels of production according to pasture quality, seasonal production and concentrate intake. The output of the model is used for an economical analysis which evaluates costs and returns; for some of the most sensitives factors that affect economic returns like prices of milk and concentrate, pasture production and others. The program makes an analysis of sensitivity where these factors are varied according to predetermined levels. Different systems were evaluated varying the following factors: milk production potential, level of alfalfa, corn silage and concentrate, calving season. Milk production increased as level of concentrate increased, net income per ha increased as level of alfalfa in the ration was increased with an optimum of 12-15 kg/cow/day. Optimum level of concentrate varies according to potential milk production and prices of milk and concentrate. Price difference between spring and winter affects optimum calving date.
