A study of some feeding systems for ruminants : different methods of application

Abstract

Ruminant feed systems and feed recommendations which ensue have been considerably modified during these last years, both in France and abroad. In parallel, the application methods for these recommendations have diversified. In France these methods have been mainly recommended by I.N.R.A. (National Institute for Agronomic Research). It is thus important to differentiate feed recommendations and the methods which enable these recommendations to be carried out. Among these methods there are tables (which provide for example feed value), books which present in simplified and pro-calculated form, practical solutions which are directly usable by farmers, as well as computer programmes such as INRAtion. In this study the different characteristics of methods for putting feed recommendations into practice are illustrated using the example of rationing in dairy cattle. The interest and future development of computers are discussed.