Development and evaluation of a pastoral simulation model that predicts dairy cattle performance based on animal genotype and environmental sensitivity information

摘要: Abstract A dairy cattle simulation model for pastoral systems that considers how cow genotypes respond to different environments is described. The represented by five modules maintenance, pregnancy, growth, body energy reserves and lactation with the influence of environmental factors on processes included within each module. Feed intake predicted based requirements growth cow’s potential yields milk, fat protein change in a given environment. effects various temporary such as condition score, climate, feed quality stage pregnancy are all considered when predicting protein, dry matter intake. was evaluated using information from prior experimental study 1990s Holstein-Friesian North American/European or New Zealand origin managed pasture-based system early peak lactation. able predict, high degree accuracy, mean values concentrations protein. However individual cows, live weight were less reliably predicted. major source error lack simulated variation, rather than any systematic bias. advance its ability predict performance genetic sensitivity particular breeds, concurrently.