Making smart use of grasslands is a sustainable way to reduce feed costs in dairy farming:
Example: €45/1,000 L for an all-grazing ration, compared with €80 to €120/1,000 L for a maize-based ration.
However, it is often argued that grassland (whether grazed or cut) does not allow a balanced ration capable of supporting production above 24 L/cow/day.
All grass species are able, at some point in their annual cycle, to produce forage with a value of 0.90 UFL and 16% crude protein. They differ, however, in the amount of forage produced at this stage and in how long this feed value is maintained.
To improve the energy and protein concentration of grass, strict grassland management must therefore be implemented.
Choosing forage mixtures of grasses and legumes to achieve a balanced UFL–PDI ratio
This choice must be considered within an overall grassland management strategy, particularly for grazing areas, in order to ensure optimal quality at the different stages of use (silage, hay, grazing).
The quality of the mixture determines both its yield potential and the nutritional quality of the forage at the various stages of use.
Respecting sowing dates
Grass–legume mixtures are mainly sown in late August to early September, or in spring under a companion crop. It is advisable to include, within the crop rotation, a crop that is easy to weed (such as cereal crops) in order to control weed pressure.
In addition, carrying out a false seedbed (e.g. shallow cultivation) when possible helps to secure establishment and therefore the quality of your grassland.
The quality of establishment determines how well the species are synchronised with each other and, consequently, the UFL–PDI concentration of the mixture.
Applying fertilisation adapted to the mixture
A balanced grass–legume mixture should be managed with 0 to 30 nitrogen units per cut, depending on the desired level of intensification.
Over-fertilisation of grasslands leads to an increase in soluble nitrogen content (rather than true protein) and reduces the development of legumes.
The timing of use is essential to forage quality
As the season progresses, forage availability increases, but its nutritional concentration decreases. A balance must therefore be found between the quantity harvested per use (with total annual yield remaining unchanged) and forage concentration.
To produce 28 litres of milk per cow per day on grass alone, it is preferable to target more frequent utilisation during the season, with smaller individual harvests.
In a paddock system, if vegetative growth is greater than expected, it is better to mow part of the area rather than graze grass that is too mature.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, it is entirely possible to produce a rich and balanced ration based solely on grass, provided that several conditions are met:
- the use of a suitable forage mixture,
- high-quality establishment,
- the ability to utilise it consistently at the optimum growth stage.
Forage management objectives must be defined according to the farming system, workload and the climatic conditions of the year. On a typical dairy farm, it is possible to utilise 80% of grass at its optimum stage, which is sufficient to meet the full nutritional requirements of lactating cows.
Making smart use of grasslands is a sustainable way to reduce feed costs in dairy farming: Example: €45/1,000 L for an all-grazing ration, compared with €80 to €120/1,000 L for a maize-based ration. However, it is often argued that grassland (whether grazed or cut) does not allow a balanced ration capable of supporting production above […]
...Making smart use of grasslands is a sustainable way to reduce feed costs in dairy farming: Example: €45/1,000 L for an all-grazing ration, compared with €80 to €120/1,000 L for a maize-based ration. However, it is often argued that grassland (whether grazed or cut) does not allow a balanced ration capable of supporting production above […]
...Making smart use of grasslands is a sustainable way to reduce feed costs in dairy farming: Example: €45/1,000 L for an all-grazing ration, compared with €80 to €120/1,000 L for a maize-based ration. However, it is often argued that grassland (whether grazed or cut) does not allow a balanced ration capable of supporting production above […]
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