Abstract
ABSTRACT Models of alfalfa losses through harvest, storage and feeding were incorporated into DAFOSYM, a model of the dairy forage system. The value of individual and combined losses were simulated for a 100-cow dairy farm located in East Lansing, Michigan. The value of the losses reflected the impacts of losses on the quantity and nutritive quality of alfalfa available for animal consumption. With a moderate milk production level (8000 kg/cow-yr), the most costly losses occurred during silage and hay storage and hay raking; mowing-conditioning and respiration losses were least costly. Sensitivity of loss value to several farm, animal and economic parameters is discussed.
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