Relationship between predicted energy requirements and measured energy intake of dairy cattle at pasture

Intakes of metabolisable energy (ME) in grazed herbage, silage, hay and grain were measured in dairy cows on 2 farmlets during 2 consecutive 12-month periods. Measured intakes were compared with predicted 'requirements' for ME, calculated by using values for liveweight and milk production measured during the 2 periods. These results validate the use of standard energy allowances to predict ME requirements of dairy cattle grazing in an environment similar to that described here. The measured (mean s.d.) ME intake was 95 6.7% of predicted requirements using standard energy allowances.