SHORT COMMUNICATION
Effects of two different feeding strategies at dry-off on metabolism and milk production
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1
Department of Animal Nutrition and Management,
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences,
Kungsängen Research Center, SE-753 23 Uppsala
2
Department of Ruminant and Porcine Diseases,
National Veterinary Institute (SVA),
SE-751 89 Uppsala, Sweden
Publication date: 2004-08-30
Corresponding author
M. O. Odensten
Department of Animal Nutrition and Management,
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences,
Kungsängen Research Center, SE-753 23 Uppsala
J. Anim. Feed Sci. 2004;13(Suppl. 1):539-542
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
In an experiment with 22 primi- and multiparious cows the effects of two different feeding
strategies at dry-off were tested. One group was fed straw ad libitum, while the other group was fed
silage (4 kg DM) and straw ad libitum. Plasma NEFA increased significantly at dry-off, especially
in the straw group. Plasma insulin and beta-hydroxybutyrate decreased in both groups. Milk fat
percentage increased during dry-off as well as protein content. The metabolism of cows in the silage
group were not as affected by the dry-off procedure as the cows in the straw group.