Application of systems thinking to modeling the complex feeding behavior of dairy cows - Article type: MODNUT25

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. 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 14 feedback loops were identified: R1: feeding behavior; R2: hunger hormones; R3: metabolic disorders and feed consumption; R4: metabolic disorders, energy requirements, and energy balance; R5: dynamics of fermentation products in the rumen-reticulum compartment; R6: animal physical activity and feed intake; R7: ruminal particle flow; R8: competition for feeding space; B1: DM content in the rumen; B2: gap in energy balance; B3: animal activity and feeding frequency; B4: fill effect; B5: management of the feed station; and B7: feed sorting. Among these, seven loops are highlighted as they represent key control mechanisms of feed intake: physiological (R2), physical (B4), and psychogenic (R3, R8, B1, B5, B7)