Key pasture and milksolids production indicators from two Waikato farmlets differing in inputs, stocking rate, pasture allowance and nitrate leaching

Abstract

Two DairyNZ farmlets, differing in nitrogen fertiliser inputs, cow genetic merit and autumn/winter grazing management, with stocking rates of 2.6 ('Future') and 3.2 ('Current') cows/ha, were compared for pasture residual and quality over 4 years. Target intakes for lactating cows were 18 and 16 kg DM/cow/day, respectively, with target grazing residuals of 3.5-4 cm (1500 kg DM/ha in late winter/spring, 7-8 clicks on the rising plate meter) for both herds. Measurement of grazing residuals, pasture quality and botanical composition identified small differences between farmlets. Grazing residuals on the Future farmlet averaged 0.2 cm (0.4 clicks on rising plate meter, RPM) (P