TY  - JOUR
AU  - Melendez, Pedro 
AU  - Roy, Elizabeth 
PY  - 2016
TI  - The Association between Total Mixed Ration Particle Size and Fecal Scores in Holstein Lactating Dairy Cows from Florida, USA
JF  - American Journal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences
VL  - 11
IS  - 1
DO  - 10.3844/ajavsp.2016.33.40
UR  - https://thescipub.com/abstract/ajavsp.2016.33.40
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine the association between the proportion of particles greater than 19 mm in a total mixed ration fed to dairy cattle and their fecal score. Over a 22 day period, random feed samples were collected twice a day from a one-side barn and assessed for particle size using the Pennsylvania State Particle Separator. In addition, at each feeding sampling, the same barn was inspected and fresh feces were scored on a four point scale. Multiple regression models were developed to associate the proportion of particles >19 mm with fecal scores at one, two and three days after that specific particle evaluation. Results of this observational study showed a significant relationship between particle size and fecal scores two days later. The results demonstrated a cubic polynomial effect: Fecal scores improved with increasing of the proportion of particle size >19 mm at a low proportion of large particles, then it was maintained constant at intermediate proportion (10-15%) of large particles and finally increased again with a high proportion (up to 17%) of particle >19 mm.