What about precision feeding? An investigation of opportunities to improve the efficiency in the dairy industry

This thesis investigates how Precision Feeding (PF) can enhance efficiency, sustainability, and animal performance in dairy farming by combining nutritional science, process control, and digital decision support. The introductory chapters describe the technological and managerial foundations of PF, focusing on feed ingredient variability, Total Mixed Ration (TMR) execution accuracy, and the enabling role of automated systems such as Automatic Milking Systems (AMS) and Automatic Milk Feeders (AMF). Five applied studies progressively explore PF from raw material characterization to dietary design and process control. Study 1 analyzes the compositional and digestibility variability of common feedstuffs in the Italian feed industry, demonstrating large inconsistencies and emphasizing the value of routine NIR/XRF analyses to improve formulation accuracy and nutrient-use efficiency. Study 2 audits TMR preparation using Progeo Dairy Manager (Algomilk), revealing systematic deviations in ingredient loading and mixing. Operator training, calibration, and standardized workflows reduced execution errors, aligning fed and formulated rations. Study 3 tests four isoenergetic diets in a Latin-square design with multiparous Holstein cows, comparing crude protein levels and carbohydrate sources. Diets with reduced protein and rumen-protected amino acids improved nitrogen efficiency (+5.6%) and decreased water intake (–21 L/day) but slightly compromised milk yield, indicating potential for sustainable dietary refinement. Study 4 evaluates a molasses-based liquid feed with tannins under heat stress, reporting higher milking frequency, increased milk yield (+2.15 kg/day), and lower methane intensity (–0.75 g/kg ECM) without altering milk composition. Study 5 assesses AMF operation, showing that temperature and solids variability in milk replacer preparation negatively affect calf growth, identifying calibration and system maintenance as critical control points. Overall, the thesis concludes that PF represents a multiscale management paradigm where data integration, analytics, and process precision reduce the gap between formulated and delivered diets, achieving measurable gains in feed efficiency, nutrient utilization, profitability, and environmental performance.