Intake profile, milk production, and energy balance of early-lactation spring-calving Holstein Friesian and Jersey × Holstein Friesian dairy cows in high-utilization pasture-based systems

Abstract

Early lactation is a critical period for dairy cows, as energy requirements rapidly increase with the onset of lactation; however, early-lactation DMI in pasture-based systems are under measured. The objectives of this study were (1) to measure and profile total DMI (TDMI) and animal performance of dairy cows during early lactation in a pasture-based system, (2) to investigate early-lactation energy balance in pasture-based systems, and (3) to examine production efficiencies, including TDMI and milk solids production per 100 kg of BW. Eighty spring-calving dairy cows were allocated to a grazing group as they calved over a 2-yr period (2021 and 2022). Cows were offered a daily herbage allowance to achieve a postgrazing sward height of 4 cm, with silage supplementation when necessary due to inclement weather. Total DMI was measured using the n-alkane technique over a 12-wk period from February 1, 2021, to April 23, 2022. Total DMI and daily milk yield were significantly affected by parity with both variables being greatest for third-parity animals (17.7 kg of DM and 26.3 kg/cow per day, respectively), lowest for first parity (13.2 kg of DM and 19.6 kg/cow per day, respectively) and intermediate for second-parity animals (16.8 kg of DM and 24.1 kg/cow per day, respectively). Peak TDMI was reached on wk 10 for first-parity animals (14.6 kg of DM), wk 11 for second parity animals (19.3 kg of DM) and wk 12 for third-parity animals (19.9 kg of DM). Parity also had a significant effect on unité fouragère lait (UFL; feed units for milk) feed balance as first-parity animals experienced a greater degree of negative energy balance (−3.2 UFL) compared with second- and third-parity animals (−2.3 UFL). Breed and parity had an effect on production efficiencies during the first 12 wk of lactation as Jersey × Holstein Friesian cows had greater TDMI/100 kg of BW and milk solids/100 kg of BW compared with Holstein Friesian cows.