Effect of herd size on sustainability of dairy production

Abstract

0.05) and it constituted more than half of the total cultural energy. As farm size increased cultural energy required producing a kg of milk decreased and group 3 had lower CE requirement than other farm groups (p<0.05). Cultural energy expended (Meal) per Meal protein energy output was lowest for group 3 (p<0.05). Efficiency defmed as Meal input/Meal output was better for group 3 and differed from other farm groups (p<0.05). Results show that as farm size increases efficiency of converting cultural energy into milk increases. Thus in order to be more sustainable in dairying farm size should be increased without interfering cattle performance. © 2009 Academic Journals Inc.