Suboptimal (incomplete) diet#

If cattle receive less feed than they need to achieve an optimal diet, the diet is considered suboptimal. This leads to the following consequences:

• The rate of weight gain decreases.
• Manure production is decreasing.
• Milk production decreases.
• The period of preparation for mating increases.
• The period of pregnancy is extended.

To avoid negative consequences, it is important to provide complete, balanced feeding.

Table: Amount of feed required for an optimal diet depending on age group

Calculation of weight gain, milk production, and manure production with a suboptimal diet#

For cattle aged 1–60 days:

For cattle aged 61 days and older:

Variables:

Calculating the timing of pregnancy and preparation for mating with a suboptimal diet#

For cattle aged 1–60 days:

For cattle over 60 days old:

The variables are similar to the previous ones.

Examples#

Situation 1#

On the 60th day, a young bull (1–60 days) received only 5 types of feed out of 7, and 2 types were missing.

• Weight gain with optimal diet: 16 kg → with non-optimal:

• Manure production with optimal diet: 28 kg → with non-optimal:

Situation 2#

An adult cow (241–420 days, weight 350 kg) receives only 3 types of feed out of 6, half of one type → a total of 3.5 types.

Initial parameters with optimal diet: weight gain 0.275 kg, manure production 21 kg, milk 5.5 l, preparation for mating 6 days, gestation 26 days.

• Weight gain:

• Manure production:

• Milk production:

• Preparing for mating:

• Pregnancy:

Situation 3#

An adult cow (61–240 days) was not given any type of feed.

• Weight gain with optimal diet: 1.083 kg → weight loss:

• Products (milk and manure) are not produced.
• The processes of pregnancy and preparation for mating stop for a day.