Examining feed preference of different pellet formulations for application to automated milking systems

Abstract

Graphical Abstract Summary: In recent years, the dairy industry has been shifting toward the utilization of automated milking systems. As such, pelleted feeds are often used to incentivize cows to enter the milking box; however, data comparing different pelleting strategies are currently limited. The current experiment examined different pelleting formulation on feed preference of lactating Jersey cattle. Four pelleting formulations were compared in the taste preference experiment, including a pellet containing ingredients commonly found in dairy concentrate mixes (CMIX), a dry corn gluten feed (CGF) pellet, a pellet containing ingredients previously described to be palatable with oregano leaf (FLVR), and a high-energy pellet (ENG). Cow preference ranking from greatest to least preferred were CGF, FLVR, CMIX, and ENG pellet. Based upon Placket-Luce analysis, we conclude cows choose CGF pellets 78% of the time. These results suggest that animals prefer CGF pellets relative to those pellets containing what are often considered highly palatable ingredients, and exhibited lowered preference for pellets containing higher concentrations of starch.