Use of technical and economical parameters for evaluating dairy cow ration efficiency

Adduci, Francesco; Labella, Cristiana; Musto, Mauro; D’Adamo, Carmine; Freschi, Pierangelo; Cosentino, Carlo

doi:10.4081/ija.2015.682

Cited by 8 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 10 publications

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“…Some more recent international applications of production economics include those of André et al (2010) who examined the profit-maximising amount of concentrate to feed cows in confined systems and those of Adduci et al (2015) who developed a model to evaluate the efficiency of dairy cow rations. A limitation to applying the productioneconomics approach in grazing systems has been the lack of milk-response functions.…”

Section: Economic Framework To Reliably Assess Tactical Feeding Manamentioning

confidence: 99%

Challenges of feeding dairy cows in Australia and New Zealand

Wales¹,

Kolver

2017

Anim. Prod. Sci.

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Abstract. There is a continuing evolution of feeding systems in both Australian and New Zealand dairy industries and this presents challenges for the future. Since the turn of the century, the two countries have diverged in industry growth characteristics, with Australian dairying having contracted, with 10% less milk being produced because of 20% fewer cows producing 15% more per cow, whereas New Zealand dairying has expanded, producing 83% more milk driven by a 54% increase in cow numbers and a 31% increase in milk production per cow. Solutions to optimise feed efficiency included the common themes of (1) growing more forage on farm, (2) increasing its utilisation and (3) more efficient use of supplements resulting in increases in DM intake, and they remain relevant. In New Zealand, many of the recent research activities have aimed at improving feed supply while limiting environmental impacts driven by increasing societal concern surrounding the environmental footprint of a growing and intensifying agricultural sector. In Australia, many of the recent research activities have aimed at improving feed efficiency, with a focus on understanding situations where partial mixed ration feeding systems (Australian Farm Systems 3 and 4) are sustainable. Simply growing more feed on farm can no longer be a sole objective; farms must be operated with a view to reduce the environmental footprint, with New Zealand dairy farmers increasingly needing to farm within nitrogen limits. The present review revisits and reinforces many of the concepts developed in previous reviews, but also examines the evolution of feeding systems in both countries and opportunities to improve feed efficiency and profit, while satisfying public expectations around environmental stewardship. We also identify some of the gaps in the current knowledge that warrant further research.

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Section: Economic Framework To Reliably Assess Tactical Feeding Manamentioning

confidence: 99%

Challenges of feeding dairy cows in Australia and New Zealand

Wales¹,

Kolver

2017

Anim. Prod. Sci.

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“…Moreover, Hall (2002) reported that the high presence of faeces in the first two score classes was directly related to unbalanced rations in terms of protein. On the contrary, an increase of categories 4 and 5 (high consistency) was observed in farms characterized by fibre excess and low water intake (Adduci et al, 2015). The consistency of manure is a function of the feed moisture content and the mean retention time of the feed in the digestive tract of the animal (Varga, 2003).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An innovative technique for faecal score classification based on RGB images and artificial intelligence algorithms

Ortenzi¹,

Violino²,

Costa³

et al. 2023

J. Agric. Sci.

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The milk production is strongly influenced by the dairy cow welfare related to a good nutrition and the analysis of the digestibility of feeds allows us to evaluate the health status of the animals. Through faeces’ visual examination it is possible to estimate the quality of diet fed in terms of lacking in fibre or too high in non-structural carbohydrates. The study was carried out in 2021, on four dairy farms in central Italy. The purpose of this work is the classification and evaluation of dairy cow faeces using RGB image analysis through an artificial intelligence (AI) (convolutional neural network (CNN)) algorithm. The main features to analyse are pH, colour and consistency. For the latter two RGB imaging was combined with deep learning and AI to reach objectivity in samples’ evaluation. The images have been captured with several smartphones and cameras, under various light conditions, collecting a data set of 441 images. Images acquired by RGB cameras are then analysed through CNN technology that extracts features and data previously standardized by a faecal score index assigned after a visual analysis and based on five classes. The results achieved with different training strategies show a training accuracy of 90% and a validation accuracy of 78% of the model which allow us to identify problems in bovine digestion and to intervene promptly in feed variation. The method used in this study eliminates subjectivity in field analysis and allows future improvement of increasing the data set to strengthen the model.

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“…Factors that can significantly contribute to fluctuations in cattle finishing cost of gains and profits include changes in cattle prices, feed prices, and performance. Adduci et al [12] reports that the practical approach for economic and technical evaluation of the food rationing allowed to identify, to highlight, and to confirm important criticalities caused by incorrect feeding management. Schroeder et al [13] finds that approximately 93% of the variability in cost of gain over time can be explained by changes in corn prices, feed conversions, and daily gains.…”

Section: Riskmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Economic Analysis of Corn Grain Optimization and Price Variation for Cattle on Feed in Texas

Moltz

Osei

et al. 2019

Agriculture

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Cattle placed on feed is a practice to maximize the amount of meat produced before being sent to slaughter, which has become a major agricultural industry. The optimization of input quantities, especially corn, is crucial to maximize production efficiency and ultimately profit. The objective of this research is to determine the optimal corn grain production rate for cattle on feed in Texas and estimated profit maximization under various price ratios for corn grain and live cattle. Utilizing data from various United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) sources, various different input production levels and prices were collected. Statistical Analysis System (SAS), procedures were used to estimate the different production functions. Sensitivity analysis were performed for the optimal production of corn grain rate, and consequent profit under various combinations of corn and live cattle prices for the four different functions. Additionally, a continuous form curve for optimal corn grain production rates under various price ratios was developed. Results indicated that the cubic model was the most accurate based upon the R2 value. However, the continuous form model created for the sensitivity analysis concluded that the quadratic was the most accurate model under the different price ratios. The results of the study can be a useful tool for the decision-making process for producers and policymakers.

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Use of technical and economical parameters for evaluating dairy cow ration efficiency

Cited by 8 publications

References 10 publications

Challenges of feeding dairy cows in Australia and New Zealand

Challenges of feeding dairy cows in Australia and New Zealand

An innovative technique for faecal score classification based on RGB images and artificial intelligence algorithms

The Economic Analysis of Corn Grain Optimization and Price Variation for Cattle on Feed in Texas

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