Milk fatty acid pattern in diagnostic milk based tests for improved dairy nutrition

Major differences have been highlighted between actual performances of individual dairy cows and those predicted by current energy and protein feeding systems. This might be partially related to inappropriate characterization of nutrient supply and animal responses to these nutrients. Moreover, despite the continuous development of additional feed evaluation systems - including more detailed characterisation of feed compounds - e.g. the structure evaluation system, (subacute) rumen acidosis and other metabolic disorders, are important reasons for suboptimal milk production in high-producing dairy cows. Current research suggest milk fatty acid profiles might provide useful tools to estimate nutrient supply and nutritional and metabolic status of the dairy cow more accurately, from which on-farm diagnostic milk-based tests might be developed and implemented in the future to guide farmers and advisers. The challenge we are now faced with involves combination of datasets to extract relevant information for the development of these milk-based tests. Bolstered by significant improvements in the area of computer science, we currently explore the potential of numerous techniques that have evolved from information technology, and specifically, artificial intelligence, that can help in this task.

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