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Full-Text Articles in Plant Sciences
Economics Of Milk Production From Perennial Ryegrass Cultivars With Different Seasonal Growth Patterns, I M. Brookes, A F. Mcrae, D I. Gray, N Cameron
Economics Of Milk Production From Perennial Ryegrass Cultivars With Different Seasonal Growth Patterns, I M. Brookes, A F. Mcrae, D I. Gray, N Cameron
IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)
Cutting trials at 4 sites throughout New Zealand over 2 years with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L) cultivars showed that Bmbassy (B) produeed similar annual dry matter (DM) yields to Supernui (S) and Yatsyn (Y). However, B grew 10% more DM in January-August, but 5% less DM in September-December. The economic value of these diffecent patterns of growth for milk production was assessed using a computer model. The model constrained pasture covers within specified limits by removing excess feed for conservation and adding additional feed as supplements during periods of deficit. Stocking rates needed to maintain the system in equilibrium …
Intensive Grazing Of High Producing Holstein Cows: Milk Production, Forage Utilization And Profit Potential At Three Stocking Rates, S L. Fales, L D. Muller, M O'Sullivan, L E. Lanyon, R J. Hoover, L A. Holden
Intensive Grazing Of High Producing Holstein Cows: Milk Production, Forage Utilization And Profit Potential At Three Stocking Rates, S L. Fales, L D. Muller, M O'Sullivan, L E. Lanyon, R J. Hoover, L A. Holden
IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)
A farmlet study was conducted to investigate lhe potential for improving dairy productivity and profit potential through increasing stocking rates above those commonly used in 1he north-eastern USA. High-producing Holstein cows were grazed at seasonal stocking rotes (SR) of 3.9 (HSR), 3.2 (MSR) and 2.5 (LSR) cows/ha. Measurements were taken of quantity and quality of pasture offered to cows, silage harvested and fed and milk production during 175 days of grazing in 1990. Results showed a direct relationship between stocking rote and pasture quality and a negative relationship with the percentage of the pasture rejected by cows. Milk production (mean, …
Quantification Of Nutrients Consumed And Utilized By Holstein Cows Grazing Grass Pastures In The North-Eastern Usa, Lisa A. Holden, L D. Muller, G A. Varga, S L. Fales
Quantification Of Nutrients Consumed And Utilized By Holstein Cows Grazing Grass Pastures In The North-Eastern Usa, Lisa A. Holden, L D. Muller, G A. Varga, S L. Fales
IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)
Managing the nutrition of high producing dairy cows on pasture in the north-eastern USA is challenging owing to difficulty in accurately estimating intake and In determining nutrient utilisation by grazing dairy cows. In Trial 1, 16 lactating Holstein cows were used to estimate intake with an intensively grazed orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) pasture with 2 stocking rates of 2.S and 3,9 cows/ha in a 24 week grazing season. Cows were fed a grain supplement which comprised about 35% of the diet dry matter. Chromium oxide was used as an external marker in faeces, Results of Trial 1 indicated total …
Alfalfa Energetic Value Improvement For Dairy Cows, M Ghesquiere, Jean Claude Emile, G Genier, P Guy
Alfalfa Energetic Value Improvement For Dairy Cows, M Ghesquiere, Jean Claude Emile, G Genier, P Guy
IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)
An experimental alfalfa (Medicago saliva L.) population whose in vitro and in vivo digestibilities are significantly higher than controls was offered to dairy cows in order to investigate its efficiency for· feeding high yielding dairy cattle. Three trials were conducted on first or second cut. Alfalfa was given ad lib. and as fresh forage. The improved digestibility was confirmed. The experimental type was ingested more by cows despite a lower dry matter content and allowed higher milk production. This result shows a real genetic variability for energetic value in alfalfa.
Rumen Digestion Of Temperate Pasture: Effects Of Milk Yield And Composition, D H. Rearte, F J. Santini
Rumen Digestion Of Temperate Pasture: Effects Of Milk Yield And Composition, D H. Rearte, F J. Santini
IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)
Dairy production in Argentina is based on grazing of temperate pasture. Concentrate is used as a supplement at a level no higher than 30% of the diet. Milk yield is high but butterfat content of milk is lower on pasture than on indoor feeding diet based on processed forage and concentrate. Rumen fluid of cows on grazing was characterised by low pH (5.8-6.2), high volatile fatty acid concentration (90-120 mmoUI) and a low acetate:propionate ratio (<2.5). Hydrolysis of forage protein in rumen is high and the percentage of dietary amino acids reaching the duodenum is low (20- 30% ). This rumen environment occurs only with cows on grazing because when fresh forage is cut and fed to cows Indoors, pH and acetate:propionate ratio is higher and NH3 concentration is lower. Rumen fermentation was also modified when pasture forage was offered wilted instead of fresh. Concentrate supplementation at a level no higher than 30% of total diet did not affect the rumen environment, but it was modified by corn silage supplementation.
Grazing Management Of Elephant-Grass For Milk Production, F Deresz, L L. Matos
Grazing Management Of Elephant-Grass For Milk Production, F Deresz, L L. Matos
IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)
The objectives of these experiments were to study the effects of three resting periods (RP) of elephant-grass pasture on milk production and composition of Holstein-Zebu cows. These trials were carried out during two consecutive rainy seasons (December to May) using 24 cows in each year. They were randomly assigned by blocks according to milk yield and live weight (LW) to four treatments: 30- day RP with no concentrate (30N), 30-day RP with concentrate (30C), 36 and 45-day RP with C (36C and 45C) in the first year. In the second year the treatments were: 30C, 30N, 36N and 45N. Concentrate …
The Effect Of Slurry And Dirty Water Application To Swards On Grazing Behaviour In Dairy Cows, S Danby, J A. Laws, P D. Penning, B F. Pain, E Owen
The Effect Of Slurry And Dirty Water Application To Swards On Grazing Behaviour In Dairy Cows, S Danby, J A. Laws, P D. Penning, B F. Pain, E Owen
IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)
In preference tests using pairs of turves in boxes (treated and control), dairy cows were more averse to surface spread than shallow injected slurry and more averse to slurry than dirty water. Effects of slurry persisted for up to 6 weeks, with fewer bites and less herbage removed from treated swards compared to control swards. Aversion to slurry may be decreased by injection. Effects of dirty water persisted for only 14 days.
High Moisture Corn Supplementation Of Different Dry Matter Content To Cows Grazing Temperate Pasture, D H. Rearte, H Alvarez, F Santini
High Moisture Corn Supplementation Of Different Dry Matter Content To Cows Grazing Temperate Pasture, D H. Rearte, H Alvarez, F Santini
IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)
The objective of this study was to evaluate grazing dairy cows performance supplemented with high moisture corn of different dry matter content. Cows grazed fresh forage oat day and night and received 5 kg DM high moisture corn daily. Treatments 1 and 2 were high moisture corn of 30% and 18% moisture content respectively. Twenty Holstein cows were used for milk production and composition studies and six rumen fistulated cows were used for rumen digestion studies. Milk production and composition and body weight gain were not affected by the dry matter content of the supplemented high moisture corn. Related to …
Mineral Composition Of Perennial Pasture Species Grazed By Dairy Cows In South-Eastern Australia, P T. Doyle, C R. Stockdale, W J. Wales
Mineral Composition Of Perennial Pasture Species Grazed By Dairy Cows In South-Eastern Australia, P T. Doyle, C R. Stockdale, W J. Wales
IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)
On four occasions, the mineral composition of white clover (Trifolium repens L.), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and paspalum (Paspalum dilatatum Poir.), and their morphological components, were monitored as they regrew after defoliation. The four periods coincided with spring, summer, summer/autumn and autumn. White clover generally had more phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium than did the grasses. Ryegrass, on the other hand, had higher concentrations of sodium than either white clover or paspalum. When compared with requirements for lactating dairy cows, it appeared that phosphorus was the major mineral in the pasture on offer with potential to adversely …
Recent Developments In The Use Of Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy For The Evaluation Of Grass Silage, N W. Offer, D S. Percival, C Thomas
Recent Developments In The Use Of Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy For The Evaluation Of Grass Silage, N W. Offer, D S. Percival, C Thomas
IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)
This work assessed the potential of near infra-red spectroscopy (NIRS) to predict the voluntary intake and fermentation characteristics of grass silage. NIRS spectra were obtained from dried milled (Dry) or fresh samples by two methods (Wet1 - vertical transport mechanism and Wet2 - rotating cup drawer). Prediction errors (SECV as a percentage of mean values) were 5.5, 6.5 and 2.5 for Dry, Wet1 and Wet2 respectively for intake by dairy cows (n=28). Corresponding values were 10.3, 16.1 and 10.9 for lambs (n=88). The Wet2 method gave more accurate predictions than Wet1 except for predictions of ADF and unfermentable metabolisable energy …
Relationships Between The Nutrient Content Of Irrigated Pasture On Offer And That Selected By Grazing Dairy Cows, W J. Wales, C R. Stockdale, P T. Doyle
Relationships Between The Nutrient Content Of Irrigated Pasture On Offer And That Selected By Grazing Dairy Cows, W J. Wales, C R. Stockdale, P T. Doyle
IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)
An experiment was conducted to determine the dry matter, energy, crude protein and fibre intake by dairy cows in late lactation when grazing perennial pasture offered at allocations of 15, 20, 30 and 40 kg DM/cow.day. The cows consistently selected a diet 10% higher in digestibility than that on offer. In contrast, cows selected diets with crude protein levels increasing from 22% to 40%, above that in pasture on offer, as pasture allocation increased. A similar pattern was observed for the intake of white clover (Trifolium repens L). The increase in the concentration of crude protein in the diet …
Performance Of Dairy Cows, Feed Quality And N Balance On Pasture Systems With Or Without Mineral N Fertilizer, M Rodehutscord, Ina Hahner, H Spiekers, E Pfeffer
Performance Of Dairy Cows, Feed Quality And N Balance On Pasture Systems With Or Without Mineral N Fertilizer, M Rodehutscord, Ina Hahner, H Spiekers, E Pfeffer
IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)
In a 2 year experiment, two levels of mineral N fertilization (nil and 225 kg N/ha) on pasture were checked for their effects on pasture yield and quality as well as for performance of dairy cows. Twenty six cows were used in each treatment and the stocking density was adapted to previous results on pasture growth rates. Cows were kept on pasture during summer and grass silages were harvested from the respective experimental areas for winter feeding periods. Digestibility of organic matter in these silages, determined in wether sheep, was always higher in those silages harvested from pasture without mineral …
The Effect Of Sward Height And Bulk Density On Herbage Intake And Grazing Behaviour Of Dairy Cows, C S. Mayne, D Mcgilloway, A Cushnahan, A S. Laidlaw
The Effect Of Sward Height And Bulk Density On Herbage Intake And Grazing Behaviour Of Dairy Cows, C S. Mayne, D Mcgilloway, A Cushnahan, A S. Laidlaw
IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)
The effects of sward height and bulk density on herbage intake and grazing behaviour of dairy cows during 1 hour grazing periods was investigated. Sward factors had a marked effect on dry matter (DM) intake/bite, which ranged from 0.4 to 1.1 g, and this was reflected in hourly intake rates. Intake/bite was largely influenced by sward height, reflecting increased bite depth in taller swards, with inherent differences between swards at low sward heights largely attributable to differences in bulk density (BD). The results indicate that DM intake rates up to 4.0 kg DM/hour can be achieved in short term grazing …
The Milk Quality Of Dairy Cows As Influenced By Months And Grassland Regions In The Tropical Country, T. T. Nguyen, T. N. T. Phan
The Milk Quality Of Dairy Cows As Influenced By Months And Grassland Regions In The Tropical Country, T. T. Nguyen, T. N. T. Phan
IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)
The objective of the study was to evaluate the milk yield and quality of dairy cows across periods of year and grassland regions in the tropical country, Vietnam. The milk data were collected from October 2021 to March 2022 at three farms (Farm one in Gialai Province, Farm two and three in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam). Each Farm used the different software to manage the milk yield and quality, including SCR DataFlow II, Afifarm, and Epacific management software. The milk properties of freezing point (FP), total solid (TS), fatness, solids-not-fat (SNF), protein, and lactose were analyzed in lab. The …
Evaluation Of Sweet Grain Sorghum Silage For Dairy Cows As An Alternative To Irrigated Maize Silage, W. G. Do Nascimento, Y. Barrière, X. Charrier, Christian Huyghe, J. C. Emile
Evaluation Of Sweet Grain Sorghum Silage For Dairy Cows As An Alternative To Irrigated Maize Silage, W. G. Do Nascimento, Y. Barrière, X. Charrier, Christian Huyghe, J. C. Emile
IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)
Under European dairy cattle rearing conditions, whole plant maize silage is the main part of the dairy cow's diet especially during the winter season. Nevertheless maize production can be limited in some areas because summer rainfall is insufficient and so irrigation is necessary. Grain sorghum hybrids, and especially sweet sorghum types, are potentially of great interest to avoid this water consumption (Lemaire et al., 1996, Legarto, 2000). For this reason we evaluated in 2003 the benefits and limits of a sweet grain sorghum silage for dairy milk production, compared to an irrigated maize silage. We paid particularl attention to …
Balancing Water Use Efficiency And Milk Production In The Sub-Tropics, Mark N. Callow, S. K. Kenman
Balancing Water Use Efficiency And Milk Production In The Sub-Tropics, Mark N. Callow, S. K. Kenman
IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)
Queensland dairy farmers have had to confront in the last 5 years deregulation of the milk pricing system, resulting in a 25% reduction in farm gate price for milk in the year 2000, and drought. Many storage dams are significantly below capacity and regulatory authorities have imposed restrictions on irrigation water allocations. Major changes in farm business strategies were needed to overcome the shortfall in milk income. Production systems had to change to deliver more milk more efficiently and become more profitable. A farmlet study was developed in the sub-tropical dairy region of Queensland to evaluate 5 very different farm …
Cap Reform And Nitrate Restrictions: Implications For Irish Grass Based Dairy Production Systems, Anne Marie Butler, M. Wallace, P. Dillon
Cap Reform And Nitrate Restrictions: Implications For Irish Grass Based Dairy Production Systems, Anne Marie Butler, M. Wallace, P. Dillon
IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)
The benefit of a systems approach to analysing production situations has long been recognised in agricultural research. The development and application of production-oriented dairy models offer tremendous capabilities for both encompassing the realities faced by producers while also considering the adaptation possibilities available to them in light of internal and external forces of change. This farm level dairy model represents one such approach. The objectives of the study were: (1) to develop a comprehensive farm-level model of Irish milk production systems and (2) to apply the model to identify optimal adaptation strategies of dairy farmers within the context of European …
Pâtur’In: A User-Friendly Software Tool To Assist Dairy Cow Grazing Management, Luc Delaby, J. L. Peyraud, P. Faverdin
Pâtur’In: A User-Friendly Software Tool To Assist Dairy Cow Grazing Management, Luc Delaby, J. L. Peyraud, P. Faverdin
IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)
The feeding of dairy cows at pasture presents many technical, economic and environmental advantages, while benefiting from a very favourable image. However, the management of grazed land is a complex game of strategy in which the farmer applies decisions in order to manage two unstable and uncertain fluxes of change: growth of grass and intake of the herd. Many tools (platemeter, etc.) and overall methods (local stocking rate references, farm cover, etc.) have been developed as aids to grazing management. Nevertheless, few decision-support systems are currently available that make it possible to anticipate and assess the consequences of a given …
Determination Of Optimal Grazing Management For Dairy Cows In Galicia (Spain) Using A Decision Support System, O. P. Vázquez Yáñez, A. González Rodríguez, J. López Díaz
Determination Of Optimal Grazing Management For Dairy Cows In Galicia (Spain) Using A Decision Support System, O. P. Vázquez Yáñez, A. González Rodríguez, J. López Díaz
IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)
GRAZEMORE is a decision support system (DSS) oriented to evaluate dairy grazing management decisions on pasture growth and milk production. The system integrates a herbage growth model (Barrett et al., 2003) and a herbage intake model (Delagarde et al., 2004) and has been validated in several EU countries. The objective of this work was to use this DSS to determine optimal grazing management of dairy cows at three supplementation levels and three grazing management strategies under Galician conditions.
Methane Emissions Of Dairy Cows In Irish Spring-Calving, Grass Based Production Systems, Frank O'Mara, D. K. Lovett
Methane Emissions Of Dairy Cows In Irish Spring-Calving, Grass Based Production Systems, Frank O'Mara, D. K. Lovett
IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)
Countries which sign up to the Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions are required to return annual inventories of greenhouse gas emissions, including methane emissions from farm livestock. Countries with large agricultural emissions are encouraged to derive specific emission factors (annual production of methane per animal in a specified animal class) for their livestock populations, rather than relying on default emission factors provided by IPCC (1996). In this paper, we describe how an emission rate of methane from enteric fermentation for spring-calving dairy cows in Irish production systems has been derived.
Effects Of Perennial Ryegrass Cultivars On Traits For Improved Animal Performance, Harm J. Smit, B. M. Tas, Hassan Z. Taweel, J. Dijkstra, Anjo Elgersma, S. Tamminga
Effects Of Perennial Ryegrass Cultivars On Traits For Improved Animal Performance, Harm J. Smit, B. M. Tas, Hassan Z. Taweel, J. Dijkstra, Anjo Elgersma, S. Tamminga
IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)
The use of quality parameters in grass breeding is limited. There may be options to improve grass cultivars (cvs) for improved animal performance.
Effect Of Red And White Clover Added To A Rye Grass-Based Diet On Intake, Fibre Digestion And Methane Release Of Dairy Cows, Anette H. Van Dorland, Michael Kreuzer, M. Leuenberger, H. R. Wettstein
Effect Of Red And White Clover Added To A Rye Grass-Based Diet On Intake, Fibre Digestion And Methane Release Of Dairy Cows, Anette H. Van Dorland, Michael Kreuzer, M. Leuenberger, H. R. Wettstein
IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)
Forage legumes like white and red clover are widely grown in association with grass, with the intention to improve the quality of grass-based diets. However little is known about the effect of either white or red clover added to a grass-based diet on methane release, and existing studies are not conclusive. The objective of this study, applying the respiratory chamber technique, was to determine the effect of red and white clover added to a rye grass-based diet on intake, fibre digestion and methane release of dairy cows.
Influence Of Giving A Choice Of Grazing Or Maize Silage Offered In The Field Simultaneously On Diet Selection Of Lactating Dairy Cows, O. Hernández‐Mendo, J. D. Leaver
Influence Of Giving A Choice Of Grazing Or Maize Silage Offered In The Field Simultaneously On Diet Selection Of Lactating Dairy Cows, O. Hernández‐Mendo, J. D. Leaver
IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)
Changing the times of access to grazing and to maize silage (MS) offered indoors affects the relative intake of each feed, but has little effect on dairy cow performance (Hernandez-Mendo & Leaver, 2000). Offering the MS in the grazing paddock as an instantaneous alternative to grazing should give an insight into the factors influencing feed intake, and may provide a means of alleviating the high rate of decline in milk yield of grazing dairy cows. The objective of this study was to examine the response in diet preferences and performance of lactating dairy cows when grazing a perennial ryegrass sward …
Estimating Pasture Intake By Dairy Cows, Dennis R. Cosgrove, D. P. Cooper
Estimating Pasture Intake By Dairy Cows, Dennis R. Cosgrove, D. P. Cooper
IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)
Proper nutrient management planning minimizes the environmental impact of manure from dairy farms. Manure output from dairy cows can be predicted from feed intake (Wilkerson et al., 1997). Weighing feed and refusals each day can determine accurately the feed intake of dairy cows in confinement. Intake determination is more difficult for dairy cows on pasture (Vasquez & Smith, 2000). As part of a larger study aimed at estimating manure production of dairy cows on pasture, this study compares 3 methods for estimating pasture yield and feed intake.
The Use Of Forage Supplements To Overcome Seasonal Shortages Of Grazed Herbage In Dairy Production Systems, A. Hameleers, D. J. Roberts
The Use Of Forage Supplements To Overcome Seasonal Shortages Of Grazed Herbage In Dairy Production Systems, A. Hameleers, D. J. Roberts
IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)
In most dairy production systems, grazed herbage is potentially the cheapest forage resource. However, while the availability is affected by seasonal changes in herbage growth, and/or between year variations in climatic conditions, the requirements of dairy production systems tend to remain constant throughout the season. This paper summarises five experiments that examined the effect of the characteristics of the forage supplement (dry matter, DM; metabolisable energy, ME, content; Type) and the effect of stage of lactation and access method to the supplement on animal performance.
Ensiling Characteristics And Nutritive Value Of Browse/Maize Forage Mixtures, F. B. Bareeba, H. Kato, Elly N. Sabiiti
Ensiling Characteristics And Nutritive Value Of Browse/Maize Forage Mixtures, F. B. Bareeba, H. Kato, Elly N. Sabiiti
IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)
The practice of growing fodder tree and shrubs is being advocated for and adopted in smallholder dairy production systems. In Uganda, Calliandra calothyrsus, Gliricidia sepium, and Leucaena leucocephala have been identified and recommended as the most suitable species (Sabiiti, 2001). However tree foliage contains toxic compounds (Lowry, 1990), which may be alleviated by ensiling. The objective of the experiment was to study the ensiling characteristics of browse/ maize forage mixtures and their nutritive value when fed to lactating dairy cows.
Investigation Into Differences In Palatability Among Festulolium Varieties As Haylage, E. Touno, S. Kushibiki, H. Shingu, A. Oshibe
Investigation Into Differences In Palatability Among Festulolium Varieties As Haylage, E. Touno, S. Kushibiki, H. Shingu, A. Oshibe
IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)
In Japan, paddy fields that are no longer used for cultivation of rice are being converted to cultivation of forage crops. Therefore, grass with greater wet resistance and higher quality is required. Festulolium is an interspecific hybrid between the Lolium and Festuca species and combines the characteristics of high-quality ryegrass and resistance to hostile environments from fescues (Thomas & Humphreys, 1991). Among festulolium varieties, there is wide variation in environmental resistance and feeding value. One festulolium variety, Paulita, shows superior wet resistance to Evergreen and the total digestible nutrients of Evergreen was similar to that of cocksfoot (cv. Kitamidori) (Touno …
Whole Crop Cereal Silage In Dairy Production, J. Wallsten, L. Ericson, K. Martinsson
Whole Crop Cereal Silage In Dairy Production, J. Wallsten, L. Ericson, K. Martinsson
IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)
Whole-crop cereal silages (WCCS) are used to some extent in Sweden, but knowledge about the use of this feed for high yielding dairy cows is scarce. The crop is often harvested at different stages of maturity, from heading to yellow ripeness, which gives forages that differ in chemical composition. The purpose of this trial was to compare intake and milk production of dairy cows fed a WCCS based on barley harvested at three different stages of maturity.
Effect Of Potato Pulp Silage Supplementation On Milk Production In Cows Grazing Temperate Pasture, Masaaki Hanada, Y. Aibibula, D. Okumura, Meiji Okamoto
Effect Of Potato Pulp Silage Supplementation On Milk Production In Cows Grazing Temperate Pasture, Masaaki Hanada, Y. Aibibula, D. Okumura, Meiji Okamoto
IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)
In a dairy farming system based on pasture in Japan, maize grain is generally used as an energy source for milking cows, with almost all grain been imported. Potato-pulp is one of the agricultural by-products derived from the starch industry in the northern island of Japan. In our previous study (Aibibula et al., 2004), it was demonstrated that potato pulp could be preserved for a long time by ensiling without additives, and that the digestible energy value of potato pulp silage (13 MJ/kg DM) was almost the same as beet pulp. From these results, it is possible that some …
The Effects Of A High Grass Input Feeding System Compared To High Concentrate Input Feeding System Offered To Spring Calving Dairy Cows In Early Lactation, E. Kennedy, M. O'Donovan, J. P. Murphy, F. P. O'Mara, L. Delaby
The Effects Of A High Grass Input Feeding System Compared To High Concentrate Input Feeding System Offered To Spring Calving Dairy Cows In Early Lactation, E. Kennedy, M. O'Donovan, J. P. Murphy, F. P. O'Mara, L. Delaby
IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)
Grazed grass is the cheapest feed available on Irish dairy farms. The inclusion of grass in the diet of the spring-calving dairy cow in early lactation is recommended. Previous studies focused on introducing grazed herbage into the cows diet in early spring in conjunction with grass silage and concentrate, and compared this to cows fed indoors. The objective of this study was to compare the milk production and feed budget of two contrasting early lactation feeding regimes. One regime was based on a high herbage inclusion with a low concentrate level (HG), while the other was based on a high …