The Effects of Herbage Height and the Provision of first and third cut silage for Dairy Cows grazing a high clover pasture on Sward Composition, Milk Production and Ingestive Behaviour

Abstract

The implementation of milk quotas has caused the dairy industry to reappraise its production strategy. The producers previous goal of maximising milk output has been replaced by minimising the cost of producing each unit of output, as a means of maintaining profitability. Feed costs account for the greatest proportion of expenditure in any dairy farming system, it is important therefore that efficient resource use is made in this aspect of production. Herbage provides the lowest cost feed available, as such it is important that it makes as large a contribution as possible to the production requirements of the dairy cow. The grazed sward tends to be more efficiently utilised at low grass heights by the grazing animal. The corollary of this,is that the dairy cows intake potential may not be reached at these heights. Research indicates that a silage buffer feed would have the ability to prevent this short fall in intake but the importance of silage quality is not known. A grass/ clover mixture has the potential to offer a higher feed value whilst requiring a lower input of fertiliser nitrogen than a pure grass sward. Knowledge regarding the ideal sward height to help maintain the clover component is scarce.