Application of systems thinking to the complex feeding behavior of dairy cows
Description
Files generated by Vensim Professional software (version 10.3.2, Ventana System Inc., Harvard, MA) containing raw data for causal loop diagram (CLD) representing the conceptual model of feeding behavior. Figure 1. Causal loop diagram (CLD) representing the meal structure in dairy cows. The reinforcing loop (R1, red) links meal size, duration and frequency, while a balancing loop (B) represents feedback mechanisms associated with feeding, contributing to meal start and termination. The two loops provide an aggregated representation of the interacting processes contributing to the daily feeding pattern. Dashed arrows indicate variables that can be estimated from the three measurable variables, and double slashes indicate delays. Figure 2. Causal loop diagram (CLD) representing the conceptual model of feeding behavior. The variables influencing those shown in Fig. 1 and determining daily meal pattern are grouped (clockwise) into physiology, metabolism and health status; environment and feed bunk management; feed characteristics; and animal traits. A total of 15 feedback loops were identified: R1: feeding behavior; R2: integration of orexigenic signals; R3: tissue mobilization and hepatic intake regulation; R4: propionate-mediated control of intake; R5: ruminal VFA (volatile fatty acids) dynamics; R6: animal physical activity and requirements; R7: ruminal passage rate; R8: competition for feeding space; B1: energy deficit regulation; B2: feed intake and ruminal VFA dynamics; B3: animal physical activity and energy regulation; B4: animal physical activity and feeding frequency; B5: fill effect; B6: management of the feed station; and B7: feed sorting. Among these, nine loops are highlighted as they represent key mechanisms controlling feed intake: physiological (R2, R3, R4, R5, B1), physical (B5), and psychogenic (R8, B6, B7) (Mertens, 1987). Numbers in parentheses next to the arrows refer to the explanation of each feedback link provided in Supplementary Table S3.
Files
Institutions
- Università Cattolica del Sacro CuoreLombardy, Milan
Categories
Additional Metadata for UCSC Datasets
| Campus | Piacenza |
| Scientific Disciplinary Area (until 2024) | AGR/18 - Nutrizione e alimentazione animale |
| Scientific Disciplinary Area (after 2024) | AGRI-09/B - Animal Nutrition and Feeding |
| Keywords | Agricultural and Biological Sciences |