Causes and Estimation of Environmental Changes in a Dairy Herd

Abstract

Environmental changes estimated independently by statistical procedures and from individual feeding and management changes of 230 cows over 462 lactations in a dairy herd showed close accord. The therms of estimated net energy consumed was the most important factor influencing changes in production. The data indicated causes other than management factors might influence the amount of feed consumed by dairy cattle. The study indicated that statistical procedures might be used to reduce environmental bias in dairy records.