Pâtur’In: A User-Friendly Software Tool To Assist Dairy Cow Grazing Management,
2023
INRA, France
Pâtur’In: A User-Friendly Software Tool To Assist Dairy Cow Grazing Management, Luc Delaby, J. L. Peyraud, P. Faverdin
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
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 …
External Validation In Northwest Spain Of A Decision Support System For Grazing Dairy Cows (Grazemore),
2023
Centro de Investigaciones Agrarias de Mabegondo, Spain
External Validation In Northwest Spain Of A Decision Support System For Grazing Dairy Cows (Grazemore), Antonio González-Rodríguez, J. López Díaz, O. P. Vázquez Yáñez
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
A model to predict intake and milk production of cows on grazed grass (Grazemore) was developed (Mayne et al., 2004) for farmers to increase reliance on the grassland resources of the farm and reduce the tendency towards intensive dairy production in most countries of the Atlantic Arc of Europe (González, 2003). Climatic conditions and fertiliser use is the basis of the herbage growth model, but under practical conditions the estimation of the nutrient supply to cows is much affected by management, number of cows and the area of each paddock grazed. The intake capacity of the animal and the …
The Grazemore Decision Support System For Grazing Management Of Dairy Cows,
2023
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden
The Grazemore Decision Support System For Grazing Management Of Dairy Cows, Mårten Hetta, M. Norrsken-Eriksson, S. Persson, Evelina Larsson, Linda Karlsson, N. Alvarez-Torre, Harry Eriksson, K. Martinsson
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Low prices of concentrates and the high demands for good management of grass growth associated with grazing, have led to lower utilisation of grazed grass in Europe. The use of decision support systems (DSS) with valid predictions of herbage growth (HG) and milk yield (MY) may improve grazing management for dairy farmers. The aim of this study was to explore the possibilities to improve grazing management of dairy cows in Europe, by developing a DSS within the European Union project, Grazemore.
Participative Decision Mechanisms For Sustainable Development In Co-Operative Livestock Systems In Europe,
2023
Entlebuch UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Switzerland
Participative Decision Mechanisms For Sustainable Development In Co-Operative Livestock Systems In Europe, E. Ruoss, A. Boltshauser, Pius Hofstetter
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Alpine pastures have been used for centuries and have a specific economic, ecological and cultural history that gives local identity. Alpine pastures, used only in summer, are endangered due to modern farming methods and economic conditions. The consequences include loss of biodiversity, traditionally used landscapes and socio-cultural identity in marginal regions (Riseth et al., 2003). As the Entlebuch UNESCO Biosphere Reserve was established by its inhabitants in a participative process, sustainable development in alpine pastures is also implemented by stakeholder participation. The methodology of participative decision mechanisms were used in two EU-projects: LACOPE: Landscape development, Biodiversity and Co-operative Livestock …
Allocating Grazing Resources With Kansasgrazer® And Making Management Decisions In A Stocker Operation,
2023
Kansas State University
Allocating Grazing Resources With Kansasgrazer® And Making Management Decisions In A Stocker Operation, Joseph L. Moyer, J. O. Fritz
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Management decisions for forage-beef cattle production systems are complex because of the many interrelated factors in the plant-animal complex. Evaluation of a system and effects of any changes to it are critical, however, because of the impact that any factor may have on the operation. A computer program to evaluate forage-beef cattle systems would enable producers to make more informed management decisions. Several such programs are available in Kansas, but they are not widely used because of their limited scope, user-friendliness and/or flexibility. Thus, an earlier program derived from the KYBEEF model by Bullock et al. (1983) was modified …
A Farmer-Based Decision Support System For Managing Pasture Quality On Hill Country,
2023
Massey University, New Zealand
A Farmer-Based Decision Support System For Managing Pasture Quality On Hill Country, I. M. Brookes, D. I. Gray
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Despite considerable effort to promote formal feed budgeting in New Zealand, survey data suggests it is only adopted by 20% of farmers (Nuthall & Bishop-Hurley, 1999). Recent work (Gray et al., 2003) has identified that farmers may use a different approach - micro-budgeting - to manage feed. Rather than operate at a whole farm level, micro-budgeting focuses at the paddock level. This paper describes micro- budgeting as used by a high performing hill country sheep and cattle farmer to manage pasture quality over spring and a decision support model developed to help other farmers undertake this process.
Enhancing Grasslands Education With Decision Support Tools,
2023
University of New England, Australia
Enhancing Grasslands Education With Decision Support Tools, Helen G. Daily, J. M. Scott, J. M. Reid
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
We have successfully used Decision Support Tools (DST) relevant to the management of grazing enterprises to enhance problem solving skills of undergraduates in Australia. Tools such as GrassGrotm (Moore et al., 1997) and GrazFeedtm (Freer et al., 1997) are accessed from a central server by authorised users at many widely dispersed Universities across Australia using remote access to thin-client technology via an Internet portal. This has been supplemented with training for lecturers. Experience in developing appropriate teaching and learning materials and the reliable delivery of simulation software to many clients has enhanced learning outcomes at tertiary …
Systems Simulation Assists Land Capability Estimation In Australia’S Temperate Grasslands,
2023
CSIRO Plant Industry, Australia
Systems Simulation Assists Land Capability Estimation In Australia’S Temperate Grasslands, Richard J. Simpson, L. Salmon, P. Graham, A. D. Moore, A. Stefanski, D. J. Marshall, J. R. Donnelly
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Intensification of production in the water-limited grasslands of temperate Australia has increased the need to quantify their sustainable carrying capacity. Empirical rainfall-based rules for estimating stocking rate fail when used in districts with differing weather patterns, or when soil and pasture resources limit the utilisation of rainfall. Grazing systems simulation should help to overcome these problems because local conditions can be taken into account. This study investigated the impact of soil resources on potential stocking rate, profitability and production risk in a local climatic area of the southern tablelands of NSW, Australia.
Determination Of Optimal Grazing Management For Dairy Cows In Galicia (Spain) Using A Decision Support System,
2023
Centro de Investigaciones Agrarias de Mabegondo, Spain
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 (1977-2023)
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.
Forecasting Forage Yields Using The Arima Model In Pastoral Areas Of East Africa,
2023
Texas A&M University
Forecasting Forage Yields Using The Arima Model In Pastoral Areas Of East Africa, Robert J. Kaitho, J. W. Stuth, Jay Angerer, A. A. Jama
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Predicting forage supply is an age old quest for pastoralists, particularly in fragile and drought- prone areas of Africa. Traditional methods of forecasting forage used by many communities have become less effective due to climate change, frequent droughts and decline of grazing areas. Conflicts relating to available forage and water resources are increasing, because more marginal lands are put to crop production. A new forage forecasting technology has been developed that provides a comprehensive view of current forage condition (Stuth et al., 2004). A multiple species grazing land plant growth hydrology based model (PHYGROW) was parameterised with site-specific soil, …
Sensitivity Analysis Of A Growth Simulation For Finishing Lambs,
2023
Massey University, New Zealand
Sensitivity Analysis Of A Growth Simulation For Finishing Lambs, P. C. H. Morel, B. Wildbore, I. M. Brookes, Paul R. Kenyon, R. W. Purchas, S. Ramaswami
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
A stochastic lamb growth simulation model with a set of heuristic rules has been developed to evaluate management strategies for a solely pastoral grazing system in New Zealand (Morel et al., 2005). In the present paper the results of a sensitivity analysis for this model are presented.
A Model To Evaluate Buying And Selling Policies For Growing Lambs On Pasture,
2023
Massey University, New Zealand
A Model To Evaluate Buying And Selling Policies For Growing Lambs On Pasture, P. C. H. Morel, B. Wildbore, I. M. Brookes, Paul R. Kenyon, R. W. Purchas, S. Ramaswami
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
In pastoral sheep finishing systems, farmers aim to maximize profitability by deciding on when and how many animals to buy and/or sell, while taking into account feed availability and current prices. This paper describes a stochastic lamb growth simulation model with a set of heuristic rules, which has been developed to financially evaluate different management strategies for growing lambs on pasture.
Canasta - Crop Niche Selection For Tropical Agriculture, A Spatial Decision Support System,
2023
CIAT, Colombia
Canasta - Crop Niche Selection For Tropical Agriculture, A Spatial Decision Support System, R. O'Brien, M. Peters, R. Corner, S. Cook
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Farmers in the developing world frequently find themselves in uncertain and risky environments, often having to make decisions based on very little information. Risks for smallholder farmers are often critical because of their poverty. In addition, in the tropics and subtropics, the natural environment is spatially and temporally variable and often harsh, thereby increasing the uncertainty faced by these farmers. This research aims to improve forage adoption decisions in the developing world, thereby increasing sustainable intensification and ultimately contributing to increased sustainable world food production and the alleviation of under-nutrition.
An Internet-Based Tool For Use In Assessing The Likely Effect Of Intensification On Losses Of Nitrogen To The Environment,
2023
Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Denmark
An Internet-Based Tool For Use In Assessing The Likely Effect Of Intensification On Losses Of Nitrogen To The Environment, N. J. Hutchings, B. M. Petersen, I. S. Kristensen, N. Detlefsen, M. S. Jørgensen
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
The EU Nitrates, Habitat and National Emissions Ceilings directives and the Kyoto Agreement mean that agricultural losses of NO3, NH3 and N2O are under scrutiny by national and international environmental authorities. When farmers wish to intensify their operations, the authorities must then assess the likely environmental impact of the change in operation. The FARM-N internet tool was developed to help farmers and authorities agree how the farm will be structured and managed in the future, and to provide an objective assessment of the environmental losses that will result.
Software Ppbb_Mx: Potential Productivity Modelling Of Brachiaria Brizantha (Cultivars Marandu And Xaraés),
2023
University of São Paulo, Brazil
Software Ppbb_Mx: Potential Productivity Modelling Of Brachiaria Brizantha (Cultivars Marandu And Xaraés), E. R. Detomini, D. Dourado Neto
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Recent improvements in computer capacity and technology allow models to be built to simulate the attributes of many agricultural processes and systems. Although Brachiaria brizantha is the most cultivated tropical grass species in Brazil, there is no single tool to predict its production under optimal conditions. The objective of this paper is to present PPBB_MX software to calibrate and simulate (using a stochastical procedure) the shoot and total biomass potential productivity (output variables) of Brachiaria brizantha as a function of the following input variables: local latitude, season (from cutting date - Julian day), length of regrowth (time, days) and climate …
N-Mineralisation And Phosphorous: Important Elements In Decision Support For Grassland Systems,
2023
Agro Business Park, Denmark
N-Mineralisation And Phosphorous: Important Elements In Decision Support For Grassland Systems, A. Lisbeth Nielsen, C. C. Hoffmann
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Leaching of N and P from extensively managed grasslands on organic soils varies considerably. In environmentally sensitive areas it is important to diminish leaching by appropriate agricultural management. In Denmark low grazing intensity and management without fertilisation have been given a high priority. The type of soil has not been equally in focus, and it seems that the effect of cutting, compared to grazing, resulting in a higher removal of nutrients (e.g. Benke et al., 1992) can be used more strategically. The objective of this case study was to combine data from management strategies with data from leaching examinations …
Artturi Assists Finnish Advisers And Farmers To Succeed In Grass-Based Dairy Production,
2023
MTT Agrifood Research, Finland
Artturi Assists Finnish Advisers And Farmers To Succeed In Grass-Based Dairy Production, Marketta Rinne, Pekka Huhtanen, Kaisa Kuoppala, H. Nikander, J. Nousiainen, M. Hellämäki, L. Nyholm, J. Helminen, K. Lampinen, M. Maisi, M. Korhonen
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Artturi is a collective name for a wide range of services. It is a common tool for different bodies who share an interest in strengthening grass-based dairy production in Finland: research, advisory service and industries. The Service is named after A. I. (Artturi Ilmari) Virtanen, the Finnish scientist who was awarded the Nobel prize in 1945, partly based on his work in developing the ensiling process of grass. The Artturi web site is available in Internet at: http://www.agronet.fi/artturi. Access to Artturi Services is free and no registration is required. The language used is Finnish. During summer 2003, 15,000 visits were …
Involvement Of Maasai Pastoralists In Participatory Rangeland Management Planning And Implementation,
2023
Kenya Forestry Research Institute, Kenya
Involvement Of Maasai Pastoralists In Participatory Rangeland Management Planning And Implementation, Evelyne Kiptot, W, Ego, D. Ochieng, A. Mohamed
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
The pastoral Maasai lifestyle was and still is traditionally based on subsistence dairy and meat production. But with population increase, the rangelands can no longer sustainably support livestock production systems. Most of the rangelands which are used for grazing have been subdivided and partially cleared to pave way for cultivation, because of increased population pressure (Ego et al., 1999). This has led to a tendency to overgraze, thus impacting negatively on secondary production from the range. In order to effectively reverse this trend, the users of the rangeland resources were brought together to analyse constraints and opportunities for sustainable …
Management Of Pasture Quality For Sheep On New Zealand Hill Country,
2023
Massey University, New Zealand
Management Of Pasture Quality For Sheep On New Zealand Hill Country, D. I. Gray, J. I. Reid, P. D. Kemp, I. M. Brookes, D. Horne, Paul R. Kenyon, C. Matthew, S. T. Morris, I. Valentine
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
The control of pasture quality over spring is central to the achievement of high levels of sheep performance on hill country. Despite this, with the exception of the work of Lambert et al. (2000), little is known about how farmers actually manage pasture quality. The purpose of this research was to describe how a high performing hill country farmer manages pasture quality on their sheep area over spring and from this develop a framework that will assist other farmers improve their pasture management.
Decision Support System For Grassland-Based Sheep Production In The Chilean Patagonia,
2023
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
Decision Support System For Grassland-Based Sheep Production In The Chilean Patagonia, R. R. Vera, S. Morales, C. Aguilar
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Temporal decision-making in sheep production systems of the Chilean Patagonia is influenced by forage availability in existing paddocks, which in turn is determined by previous use, localisation, climate and soil. Also, production strategies are evolving, with a trend towards fat lamb production, introduction of new breeds and a reduction in the importance of wool production. The objective of this study was to develop an initial version of a spatial empirical simulation model based on extremely limited information, to predict forage growth and sheep production so that decision-makers can assess alternative production strategies.
