Evaluation of a dry matter intake model for individual cows

A model predicting the individual dry matter intake (DMI) of dairy cows was evaluated. The input parameters are body weight and milk yield, which are both measurable on-line in an commercial dairy farm. The model output is voluntary DMI (kg per day) for each individual cow, which can be used in nutritional calculation for the individuals. The new model was statistically validated by comparison with the NRC model. In one herd, 76% cows passed the statistical test, compared with 33% when the NRC model was used; in a second herd, 11 cows (50%) passed the test with the new model, and only 1 with the NRC model. Evaluation with a larger number of cows is necessary to determine the usefulness of the model in programming individual feeding of high-yield cows.