Optimising sward quality for a higher performance on pastures. 1. Methodology | Optimiser la qualité de l'herbe pour plus de performance en pâture tournante. 1. Méthodologie
2009
Eastes, D., Haute école suisse d'agronomie (HESA), Zollikofen (Switzerland) | van Bysterfeldt, A.
In rotational grazing systems, a low pre-grazing cover, such as when the English ryegrass is at the three leaves stage, results in high quality grass at an optimal nutritional and growth stage. Cows can then regularly graze down to a post-grazing residual of 7 clicks on the rising plate meter (3.5 cm) with positive effects on sward density, composition and quality. A pasture wedge can be used to manage the feed requirements of the herd. It is generated from the pasture cover measurements taken in each field while on a weekly farm walk and compares current pasture distribution over the whole farm with a target based on actualised grass growth and herd intake forecasts. The pasture wedge enables farmers to manage their pasture supply proactively and with a high degree of confidence, able to optimise their milk production potential on grass.
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