Differences in feed intake between holstein Friesian, Dutch Red and White and Dutch Friesian cattle

Abstract

In a comparison of Holstein Friesian (HF) from North America with Dutch Red and Whites (DRW) and Dutch Friesians (DF), the feed intake of 20 animals per breed was measured at different stages of lactation and at different ages. In the experiments with dairy cows, the animals were offered concentrates individually according to their milk yield. In all experiments roughage (silage or hay) was offered ad libitum. In all experiments the DRW animals ate less roughage than the HF and DF animals, although they ate the lowest amount of concentrates in nearly all experiments, due to their lower milk yield. The HF animals were offered more concentrates than the DF animals, but ate the same amount of roughage.