Abstract

Dairy cow responses to various types of diets differently and dairy farmers can use knowledge of its behavior to improve the cow well-being and yield. This review was carried out in order to better understanding the influence of dietary manipulation and milking frequency on the dairy cows’ production. The results obtained from review of already conducted studies revealed that the dairy cow is significantly affected by composition, quality, amount and regimes of the diet. Maximum daily milk production, milk protein, milk lactose, milk fat, total solids are recorded in dairy cows when ad-libitum feed and water is provided. Further, sufficient water intake is necessary for maintaining body fluids and proper ion balance, digestion, absorption, metabolization of nutrients, elimination and body cooling. Feeding and water frequency stimulate the mammary functions and milk synthesis, which is actually a non-invasive method. Reducing feeding frequency from 2x daily to 1x daily decreases milk yield from 7 to 38 in dairy cows, however changing feeding frequency from 2x to 3x daily results about 18 increase in milk production that can be economically acceptable. On the other hand, increasing milking frequency from 2x to 3x daily increase milk production up to 30. Therefore, in addition of dietary manipulation and milking frequency, high quality feed and ad-libitum water plays always a key role for improving the performance and production of dairy cows. © 2020, Online Journal of Animal and Feed Research. All rights reserved