Concentrate supplementation is used in grass-based production systems to increase overall dry matter intake and milk production and to manage deficits in grass supply. Different genotypes may respond differently to concentrate supplementation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of contrasting feeding strategies and dairy cow genotypes on milk production and metabolic status under restricted grazing conditions during the breeding season. Fifty-eight Holstein-Friesian cows were blocked on calving date, previous 305 d milk yield, BCS and genotype. Cows of high fertility low milk (HFLM) and low fertility high milk (LFHM) genotype were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial, randomized block design. The dietary treatments were: 1) a low flat rate concentrate allowance of 2 kg (1.76 kg of DM) per cow (FR, n = 29); 2) a feed to yield concentrate allowance (FY, n = 29). The FY treatment included feeding a base of 2 kg plus 0.5 kg (0.44 kg of DM) of concentrates per kg of milk above the base milk yield. All cows were allocated 13 kg of grass DM. These diets were offered for the duration of the 11-week experimental period. Feed to yield resulted in higher milk yield (+1.76 kg, P < 0.05) and a higher fat and protein yield (+0.11 kg, P<0.05). There was a tendency toward an interaction between feeding strategy and genotype (P = 0.06). For LFHM genotype cows, FY increased milk production and fat and protein by 3.35 kg (P < 0.05) and 0.20 kg (P < 0.05). In comparison, milk yield or yield of fat and protein was not increased by FY for the HFLM genotype. Feeding strategy had an effect on metabolic status as FY had lower BHB (P < 0.05) and NEFA (P < 0.10). The FY treatment increased BCS (2.77, P < 0.01) in comparison to FR (2.65, P < 0.01). In conclusion, the FY concentrate feeding strategy improved milk yield and milk component yield for the cows of LFHM genotype. Feed to yield improved BCS and metabolic status compared with FR under restricted grazing conditions.