Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle, 7th Revised Edition

by National Research Council
March 2001

Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle, 7th Revised Edition is a cornerstone reference in dairy nutrition, providing scientifically grounded guidelines for feeding and managing dairy cattle. Developed by the National Research Council, this book delivers detailed nutrient requirements essential for optimizing milk production, animal health, and reproductive performance.

For foundational knowledge in animal nutrition, this book works perfectly alongside Principles of Animal Nutrition, 2nd Edition, which explains core nutritional concepts across species.

This widely used reference has been updated and revamped to reflect the changing face of the dairy industry. New features allow users to pinpoint nutrient requirements more accurately for individual animals. The committee also provides guidance on how nutrient analysis of feed ingredients, insights into nutrient utilization by the animal, and formulation of diets to reduce environmental impacts can be applied to productive management decisions.

Accurate nutritional planning is essential for maximizing dairy efficiency and profitability. This book provides evidence-based recommendations that support sustainable production, improve animal welfare, and enhance milk yield.

The committee addresses important issues unique to dairy science-the dry or transition cow, udder edema, milk fever, low-fat milk, calf dehydration, and more. The also volume covers dry matter intake, including how to predict feed intake. It addresses the management of lactating dairy cows, utilization of fat in calf and lactation diets, and calf and heifer replacement nutrition. In addition, the many useful tables include updated nutrient composition for commonly used feedstuffs.