Farm Management in Organic and Conventional Dairy Production Systems Based on Pasture in Southern Brazil and Its Consequences on Production and Milk Quality.

Shirley Kuhnen,Luiz Filho,Rudinei Stibuski,Luciana Honorato

doi:10.3390/ani5030367

Shirley Kuhnen, Luiz Filho + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/ani5030367

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Abstract

Simple SummaryThis study provides the characteristics of the conventional high input (C-HI), conventional low input (C-LI), and organic low input (O-LI) pasture-based production systems used in Southern Brazil, and its consequences on production and milk quality. C-HI farms had larger farms and herds, annual pasture with higher inputs and milk yield, whereas O-LI had smaller farms and herds, perennial pastures with lowest input and milk yields; C-LI was in between. O-LI farms may contribute to eco-system services, but low milk yield is a major concern. Hygienic and microbiological milk quality was poor for all farms and needs to be improved.Pasture-based dairy production is used widely on family dairy farms in Southern Brazil. This study investigates conventional high input (C-HI), conventional low input (C-LI), and organic low input (O-LI) pasture-based systems and their effects on quantity and quality of the milk produced. We conducted technical site visits and interviews monthly over one year on 24 family farms (n = 8 per type). C-HI farms had the greatest total area (28.9 ha), greatest percentage of area with annual pasture (38.7%), largest number of lactating animals (26.2) and greatest milk yield per cow (22.8 kg·day−1). O-LI farms had the largest perennial pasture area (52.3%), with the greatest botanical richness during all seasons. Area of perennial pasture was positively correlated with number of species consumed by the animals (R2 = 0.74). Milk from O-LI farms had higher levels of fat and total solids only during the winter. Hygienic and microbiological quality of the milk was poor for all farms and need to be improved. C-HI farms had high milk yield related to high input, C-LI had intermediate characteristics and O-LI utilized a year round perennial pasture as a strategy to diminish the use of supplements in animal diets, which is an important aspect in ensuring production sustainability.

Highlights

Milk is the top agriculture commodity in monetary value in the world, and Brazil is the world’s fourth largest fresh cow milk producer [1]
The farms using conventional high input (C-HI) management had the largest total area compared to the other management systems and, in general, the area with annual pasture was greater on farms with conventional management (C-HI and conventional low input (C-LI)) compared to organic low input (O-LI)
The area designated for the cultivation of perennial pasture in conventional farms (C-HI and C-LI) was only 18.8 and 23.7%, respectively, which differed significantly from O-LI farms (52.3%)

Summary

Introduction

Milk is the top agriculture commodity in monetary value in the world, and Brazil is the world’s fourth largest fresh cow milk producer [1]. On its way to becoming a major player in milk exports, the region is characterized by diversity in dairy production systems and is dominated by family farming (80% of farms) [3]. The region has a mild, subtropical humid climate, without a dry season and with temperate summers, allowing year round pasture-based management. These pasture systems can consist of either extensive or rotational grazing, and animals may be supplied with different amounts of supplements (concentrate and silage). Free-stall confinement is rare in the region [4]

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