One of the main
objectives of the NDS platform is to provide an
appropriate decision-making tool not just from a nutritional standpoint, but
also for several managerial aspects.
The NDS Management Environment Model (MEM) is the first step of development towards this strategy:
The basic concepts are:
- An accurate prediction of DMI improves ration formulation and it is a critical component of nutrition models;
- Feeding behavior of dairy cattle determines DMI which is controlled by rumino-reticular fill and physiological mechanisms but modulated by the animal feeding environment.
The combination of housing facilities and management routines define the physical and social environment where dairy cattle consume feed. All these factors are able to modulate DMI resulting in large variations in the production responses.
The NDS MEM incorporates key parameters to predict the behavior and the regulation of feed intake. Its goal is to include the analysis of the parameters of intake and resting as integral part of the DMI prediction and the formulation of dairy rations, in order to better predict feeding and other behaviors, cow performance and health responses.
It appears as a tool to model the influences that social environment can have on intake in dairy cows, allowing a more accurate prediction of intake, including assessments of the physical and social environment.
A secondary objective of the model is to provide a structure able to relate resting time, time spent for feeding and rumen fermentations, with feed bank management.