Underscoring dairy cows as production animals, researchers sought to measure the results of feeding up to three times per day or more. Feed delivery frequency affects feed intake, digestive physiology, animal health, hormonal profile, milk production, resistance to thermal stress and economic returns.
Source: The Bullvine, December 4, 2019. Link.
. . . in the 3x feeding group. . . for every six calves fed three times a day one additional heifer entered lactation. Calves fed three times per day also averaged 516kg more milk and calved 16 days earlier.
INSIGHTS: This is a great topic to discuss with dairy producers. The methods could help keep some of the mid-size dairies more competitive. Labor will always be a concern, however.