Prediction of the intake potential of grass silage in the supplemented diets of lactating dairy cows

Abstract

In the majority of farming systems in Ireland and the UK, grass silage is supplemented with varying types and levels of concentrates when offered to lactating dairy cows (Keadyet al., 1998). This supplementation results in a reduction in the intake of the silage. The aim of the current study was therefore to use data from the literature to develop empirical models that would allow the prediction of grass silage dry matter intake with increasing amounts of concentrate intake.