Relationship between the cow’s energy status and milk composition

This subject is part of an EU-project named OptiMIR. The objective of this project is to develop management tools for dairy farmers by using milk data of infrared spectroscopy (MIR). These tools may give information about the animals’ health status (especially udder health), fertility and energy supply. Within the last years calibration equations for MIR analysis of milk have been generated, which facilitate estimating concentrations of fatty acids or minerals in milk. Within the framework of the subproject the energy status of the cow shall be predicted on the basis of the milk components, particularly the fatty acid composition. The first step will be the identification of indicators in milk for energy status. This research will be continued with collecting a larger data pool to validate and improve the estimation of energy balance out of milk composition.