Proposed methods for estimating loss of saleable milk in a cow-calf contact system with automatic milking

• DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-23099
• Publication Date: 2023-08-23T23:40:38Z
• Authors: Mikhail Churakov; Hanna K. Eriksson; Sigrid Agenäs; Sabine Ferneborg
• Keywords: Milking; Automatic milking; Total mixed ration

Cow-calf contact (CCC) systems, although beneficial in many respects, introduce additional challenges to collect reliable data on milk production, which is important assess individual cow efficiency and dairy farm profitability. Apart from weighing calves before after each feeding, the amount of saleable lost due calf suckling practically impossible measure. Here, we 2 indirect methods for estimating loss when housing cows together a robotic milking unit. In our study, treatment were kept full-time until 127 ± 6.6 d old (mean SD). Control separated their within 12 h birth then same unit as but with no access either own or calves. Milk yield recording both groups was performed calving pasture release at 233 20 milk. The first estimation method relied observed post-separation data, fed into modified Wilmink regression model determine best-fitting lactation curve pre-separation period. second based cows' daily energy intake post-separation, calculated by measuring feed analyzing content ration. used average ratio between following day cow, assuming constant rates mobilization deposition body fat. obtained calculate expected during this paper, analyzed 17 CCC 16 control cows; calved September October 2020 followed up May 2021. Saleable lower than cows, separation. showed using (average −3.4 2.8 kg/d) almost −1.4 2.7 kg/d). estimated 11.3 4.8 7.3 kg milk/d, respectively. proposed tends overestimate loss, whereas more accurate. However, collecting detailed per requires effort equipment, not always feasible commercial farms. Further research needed improve better understand trade-offs systems.