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Submitted to: Nutrition of Dairy Cows on Pasture-Based Systems Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 3/1/2003 Publication Date: 3/31/2003 Citation: Soder, K.J. 2003. Pasture quality and quantity. Nutrition of Dairy Cows on Pasture-Based Systems Proceedings. p. 1-5. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: High quality pastures are key to high milk production in grazing dairy herds. Just like harvested forages, nutritional quality of pastures is related to the maturity of the forage when harvested. Dairy producers strive to achieve a legume forage with 20-23% crude protein (CP), 26-30% acid detergent fiber (ADF), 38-42% neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and a net energy for lactation (NEL) of 0.62-0.68 Mcal/lb. Grasses harvested as hay or silage are typically more mature than when harvested as pasture, thus pasture should be of higher quality than stored forages. Likewise, legumes such as clover or alfalfa are usually grazed at an earlier stage of growth than when harvested as stored forage. Well-managed pastures, regardless of the plant species, can be high in nutrient quality and often exceed the nutrient composition of high quality stored forages. Good grazing management is essential to maintaining quality pasture. Changes in season trigger changes in rate of plant growth and subsequent changes in nutrient composition. The continual changing of pasture quantity and quality during the grazing season provide challenges to producers using a grazing system. Use of available information about forage quality and nutrition can lead to sound grazing and feeding management decisions. |
