It is generally recognized that dairy cow nutrition models are essential to the success of the dairy industry. This is especially true as we recognize the importance of rumen and body tissue metabolism to the definition of nutrient requirements and supply. Also, our production emphasis has shifted from only milk volume and fat to include milk protein percentage and yield.
Mathematical models of nutrition have been in use for several years and have stimulated improvement in feeding cattle. More complete data sets and knowledge available in recent years combined with more precise mathematical approaches have now allowed us to improve models of nutrient use tremendously.
Such models will be used more frequently in the future to support decisions not only about the nutrition of cattle, but for other aspects including farm economics and environmental impact.
Thanks to the tremendous development of the IT technology, dairy nutrition models are now incorporated in the most advanced computer platforms that are now able to assist ration formulation and decision making.
NDS Professional is a software platform developed, in an object oriented design, around the CNCPS dynamic model, using licensed technology and in collaboration with Cornell Department of Animal Science. The platform includes the current CNCPS biology and will continue to update the biological model as the results of new research will be available, i.e. the biological model is updated as developed at Cornell University.
NDS Professional accurately predicts nutrient requirements and supply in each unique production situation for all categories of cattle, so it is a tool to help you design and evaluates diets for dairy cattle. You can use the program to formulate new rations based on available feeds to meet the nutritional guidelines for a group of animals. You can also evaluate rations after they have been fed to help understand why performance goals were or were not met. You can compare rations options to see which feeds can help lower feed costs or nutrient excretion. Finally, you can use the program to design custom feed premixes to prepare yourself, order from a feed mill, or send out for bid.
The program has been designed for nutritional consultants, extension agents, and university researchers. NDS can also be a valuable tool for teaching dairy nutrition, and thanks to the interface, very easy to use with special features included, it can be easily used in teaching nutrition concepts.