Supplementing high-yielding cows at pasture with concentrates fed at a level determined by milk yield and season

The practice of supplementary feeding of concentrates has been the subject of much investigation and also the centre of considerable controversy during the last decade. The latter is perhaps not hard to explain as so many variables are present; first and foremost there is the cow which at all times must be considered an individual whether it be milk yield, time of calving or dry-matter intake. In addition, one must always take into account the quantity and quality of grass, both of which are dependent on sward management and the system of grazing.