Maximizing income above feed costs with computer-formulated dairy rations

Feeding trials were conducted to test a computer program designed to formulate rations resulting in maximum income above feed costs from lactating dairy cows. Factors considered by the computer include feed prices, milk prices, milk production response to varying levels of nutrients, maximum voluntary feed intake, and productive ability of the cow. Cows fed the computer-formulated rations returned $15 to $21 more income above feed costs per year than cows fed control rations.