Does Grazing Have A Place With Larger Herds?
(Continued from Page 29)
pounds) than cows fed all pasture as the sole forage research at Michigan State indicates that exercise of
plus about 20 pounds of concentrate. Less grazing time dry cows may improve animal health and welfare
and less pasture DM intake during the summer based on extensive physiological measurements. A
months and more pTMR would likely have resulted in grazing area provides that opportunity.
10 or more Ib/cow/day. • For heifers, some studies have reported about
Here are some possibilities for the use of grazing in
larger non-grazing herds:
• Graze low producing, late lactation groups for the
last one to two months of lactation. Feed costs can be
reduced by using pasture during the last one to two
months of lactation. Good quality pasture with graz
ing for Vi day plus feeding a pTMR will likely not
result in a loss of production compared to confinement
feeding. For planning purposes, about x h acre/cow
should be adequate for Vi day grazing. Getting cows
off concrete should have substantial benefits to cow
and foot health.
• For dry cows, a well-designed and well-managed better managers of cows and pasture in the future and
pasture system can supply much of the forage, partic- that herd size will likely need to increase. With im
ularly for the early dry group. About 10 to 12 pounds proved grazing management, many can increase herd
of pasture DM can provide about Vi of the forage with size from the same land base.
a pTMR providing the remainder of the nutrients. In addition, grazing systems are perceived to be
With the pre-fresh/day group, we will likely want more sustainable and beneficial to the welfare of the
more control of the nutrient intake with less nutrients animal compared to nongrazing operations. Also,
from pasture. The exercise and the improved feet and costs of manure handling and bedding will be reduced
leg health will be a major advantage to grazing. Recent during the grazing season.
WE BUILD AG BUILDINGS!
THINKING OF EXPANDING YOUR DAIRY?
Our experienced staff will be there from design to finish
featuring
o
FANS
for Tiinnel Ventilation
We Can Help!
with all honesty and integrity.
We also build hog and poultry facilities.
SCHICK ENTERPRISES
1-800-527-7675
$2OO lower costs per heifer with a well planned and
managed grazing system. In addition, getting heifers
off concrete for six to eight months of the year will
likely contribute to less feet and leg problems and
longer herd life.
Well-managed intensive grazing systems offer a
management alternative to be competitive in the
future dairy industry.
The increasing cost of family living and decreasing
profit margins will necessitate that graziers be even
“We build your building
as if we built it for
ourself 55
Summary