Mathematical Models for the Foraging Strategies of Dairy Cows
by
Louise Parsons
University of Auckland

The feeding behaviour of dairy cows grazing a rye-grass paddock is investigated with the aim of determining the strategy and paddock type which lead to the cows maximising their rate of intake. Optimal Foraging Theory is used as the framework upon which several different mathematical models for the foraging strategies of dairy cows are formulated. The models are compared using computer simulation written in MATLAB, timed over one hour of grazing. The comparison of the models is based upon the final state of the paddock, the number of bites taken per cow, the intake per cow and the variation of results between cows. Methods for analysing spatial structure in the paddock are also discussed.

Date received: May 20, 1998