Abstract
Due to the increased herd size in the Netherlands, there is need to assess the performance of different grazing systems at high stocking densities. The objective of the current experiment was to assess the effect of two extreme grazing systems, kurzrasen (continuous grazing at 3–5 cm sward height) and strip-grazing at a high stocking rate, on grass production and quality, grass morphology and sward density, root development and load bearing capacity on peat soil. To this end, a two-year grazing trial with four herds of 15 cows on 2 ha each was conducted. Kurzrasen showed 18% lower herbage dry matter production on average compared to strip-grazing. The yield penalty of using a shorter regrowth period under kurzrasen was limited due to the strong response in grass morphology, resulting in a dense and lamina-rich sward. There was a small decline in root density at 10 cm soil depth, but no evidence of a lower root density at 20 cm soil depth for kurzrasen compared to strip-grazing. Sward density was higher for kurzrasen compared to strip-grazing, which had a positive impact on load bearing capacity. This is an important feature on peat soils, where load bearing capacity is often limited.
Highlights
In northwestern Europe, grazed pastures form an important feed source for dairy production and grazing cows are important for the image of the dairy sector [1]
The objectives of the current experiment were to assess the effect of these two contrasting grazing systems, strip-grazing and kurzrasen at a high stocking rate, on grass production and quality, grass morphology and sward density, load bearing capacity, water infiltration rate and root development on peat soil
In 2015, the kurzrasen area had already been subjected to a kurzrasen grazing regime, whereas the strip-grazing area was grazed in a rotational grazing system in order to allow the swards to adapt to the different regimes
Summary
In northwestern Europe, grazed pastures form an important feed source for dairy production and grazing cows are important for the image of the dairy sector [1]. Most farmers in the western peat meadow region apply rotational grazing, a system in which the cows are moved to a new paddock every 3–5 days, with a target pre-grazing sward height of 13–18 cm [7] While this system requires relatively little labor and infrastructure in terms of moving fences, herbage production is not optimal because the herbage supply to be grazed is fouled and trampled due to the multiple-day residence time. The objectives of the current experiment were to assess the effect of these two contrasting grazing systems, strip-grazing and kurzrasen at a high stocking rate, on grass production and quality, grass morphology and sward density, load bearing capacity, water infiltration rate and root development on peat soil. Root density is expected to be lower for kurzrasen, at deeper soil layers
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
