A multilevel model with clustered management practices differentiating dairy herd environments in southeastern Sicily
The objective was to evaluate a methodology where herd environmental opportunity is specified as afunction of inputs administered through practices ascertained from herd manager interviews comparing it with the frequently-usedHYSD criterion ignoring this causal information.
Assessment of the Dairy Production Needs of Cattle Owners in Southeastern Sicily
This study was the initial step to determine research, outreach, and management priorities to improve milk production and profits on Hyblean farms and helped formulate Progetto Ibleo. Specific objectives were to establish baseline performance values for production and composition of milk from herds managed under systems based on pasture (Modicana cows) and herds managed under input-intensive systems (Holstein cows), to determine probable forage quality in the region, and to investigate other potentially important factors that are subject to management (i.e., age at first calving, length of dry period, and calving interval).
Genotype by Environment Interaction for Yield and Somatic Cell Score with Alternative Environmental Definitions
Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate potential G×E in yields of milk, fat and protein, and in somatic cell scores of Friesian and Brown Swiss cows by comparing genetic parameters and expected correlated responses in contrasting Sicilian herd environments alternatively defined. Farmers need to know the opportunity losses in daughter response due to management inputs, which are known to influence selection decisions (Holmann et al., 1990; Blake, 1992).
