The influence of parity on lactation curve coefficients in dairy cows

Abstract

There are marked differences between heifers, 2nd parity and older cows in their lactation curves, even when they are offered high quality rations ad libitum . These differences indicate different energy requirements, and thus should be taken into account when formulating rations for the different parities. The objective of this study was to quantify how the pattern of milk production relative to time from calving is affected by parity for incorporation into energy requirement predictions.