Prediction of drinking water intake by dairy cows

Abstract

Mathematical models that predict water intake by drinking, also known as free water intake (FWI), are useful in understanding water supply needed by animals on dairy farms. The majority of extant mathematical models for predicting FWI of dairy cows have been developed with data sets representing similar experimental conditions, not evaluated with modern cows, and often require dry matter intake (DMI) data, which may not be routinely available. The objectives of the study were to (1) develop a set of new empirical models for predicting FWI of lactating and dry cows with and without DMI using literature data, and (2) evaluate the new and the extant models using an independent set of FWI measurements made on modern cows. Random effect meta-regression analyses were conducted using 72 and 188 FWI treatment means with and without dietary electrolyte and daily mean ambient temperature (TMP) records, respectively, for lactating cows, and 19 FWI treatment means for dry cows. Milk yield, DMI, body weight, days in milk, dietary macro-nutrient contents, an aggregate milliequivalent concentration of dietary sodium and potassium (NaK), and TMP were used as potential covariates to the models. A model having positive relationships of DMI, dietary dry matter (DM%), and CP (CP%) contents, NaK, and TMP explained 76% of variability in FWI treatment means of lactating cows. When challenged on an independent data set (n = 261), the model more accurately predicted FWI [root mean square prediction error as a percentage of average observed value (RMSPE%) = 14.4%] compared with a model developed without NaK and TMP (RMSPE% = 17.3%), and all extant models (RMSPE% ≥ 15.7%). A model without DMI included positive relationships of milk yield, DM%, NaK, TMP, and days in milk, and explained 63% of variability in the FWI treatment means and performed well (RMSPE% = 17.9%), when challenged on the independent data. New models for dry cows included positive relationships of DM% and TMP along with DMI or body weight. The new models with and without DMI explained 75 and 54% of the variability in FWI treatment means of dry cows and had RMSPE% of 12.8 and 15.2%, respectively, when evaluated with the literature data. The study offers a set of empirical models that can assist in determining drinking water needs of dairy farms.

Chewing and Drinking Activity during Transition Period and Lactation in Dairy Cows Fed Partial Mixed Rations

“…The longer drinking times around calving ( In their study, total drinking time increased, when cows moved from ante-to the post-calving period. This is also consistent with other literature since big water losses are happening due to high milk production postpartum, especially in early-lactation [23,24]. Therefore, we would have expected an increase in drinking time postpartum with maximum minutes per day in early-lactation, instead of a reduction as shown in our observations (8 min/d during early-lactation).…”

Effect of reducing energy intake during the dry period on milk production, udder health, and body condition score of Jersey crossbred cows in the tropical lower Gangetic region

“…The coefficients of correlation indicated a positive and significant (P < 0.05) correlation (+ 0.317) between total DMI and WI of this present study. However, Appuhamy et al (2016) suggested a model, without DMI measurement, for estimating water intake due to absence or inconsistent accuracy of DMI measurement.…”

Nutrition and feeding of dairy cattle

“…Recently, Appuhamy et al 28 derived two equations that are now considered the equations to use when estimating free water intake for lactating cows. According to Kononoff 24 , these equations are now recommended for determining free water intake.…”