Effects of Altering Milk Production and Composition by Feeding on Multiple Component Milk Pricing Systems

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Abstract
Data representing 1105 cows were obtained from published scientific reports to estimate the extent to which changes in feeding may affect the composition of milk and the production of milk protein and milk fat. Changes in milk pricing systems were also related to dairy cattle feeding practices that dairy producers may profitably implement. Regression equations were derived to estimate the transfer of gross energy in feed and a gross energy in crude protein of feed into milk fat and milk protein. Feeding rations that contained 59% concentrate increased dry matter and crude protein intakes compared to feeding rations that contained 49% concentrate. Feeding higher energy rations also resulted in increased production of milk, milk fat, and milk protein and returned a greater profit over feed costs when milk was priced using each of four milk pricing systems. An increase in milk production, rather than a change in composition of milk components, accounted for most of the economic gain.