Effect of Feeding Frequency on Diurnal Dry Matter and Water Consumption, Liquid Dilution Rate, and Milk Yield in First Lactation

Abstract

Four ruminaUy cannulated cows in first lactation (50 days postpartum) were assigned randomly to a 4 4 Latin square with the following feeding frequencies of the same total mixed ration: one, two, four, and eight times a day. Dry matter intake, water consumption, and ruminal pH were recorded hourly during 2bd coUection (10-d adaptation between periods, Experiment 1). In Experiment 2, 30 animals were blocked by milk production on wk 4 postpartum and assigned to feeding one or four times a day through wk 19 postpartum. Individual feed consumption and milk production were recorded daily.