Effects of Diets with Different Ratios of Neutral Detergent Fiber to Non-Fibrous Carbohydrates on Feeding Behavior in Transition Holstein Cows

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of close-up diets with increased ratios of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) to non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) on feeding behavior in transition cows. Thirty-nine dry cows were blocked, assigned randomly to three groups and fed diets with a low (1.07, LF), medium (1.41, MF) or high (2.08, HF) NDF:NFC ratio from 21 d prior to the expected day of calving. After parturition, all cows were fed the same diet for a further 35 d. The average DMI decreased as the ratio of NDF:NFC increased at -3 weeks (Wk) and -2 Wk and increased at +5 Wk plessthan 0.05). The average daily feeding time was lower and the average feeding rate was higher (plessthan 0.05) for LF cows compared with MF and HF cows during prepartum. In conclusion, a prepartum diet with increased ratios of NDF:NFC decreased the DMI and feeding rate, increased daily feeding times and visits prepartum and was beneficial in increasing DMI postpartum.