Evaluation of Animal Production under Different Systems of Grazing

Abstract

Summary Four systems of grazing management of dairy cows were compared for 2 yr. on a uniform mixture of alfalfa, ladino clover, and smooth bromegrass. Cows on the 3-paddock rotational system maintained milk production as well as or better than cows on the 6-paddock, strip, and zero grazing methods of management. Milk production per acre also was as high for the 3-paddock system as for the other methods of management. Larger quantities of excess forage were harvested from the zero grazing system than from the other systems, but it is questionable if the additional forage would offset the decrease in milk production and the increase in harvesting costs. Recommendations regarding the advantages and disadvantages of zero and strip grazing are being deferred until more data are available. However, the study does clearly demonstrate the advantages and necessity of heavy stocking rates if milk production per acre is to be used as a criterion for most efficient pasture management. A valid comparison between grazing systems of production per acre can not be made unless the grazing pressure for all treatments is sufficiently heavy to utilize fully the available forage.