Publication Date
1993
Description
Forage grasses and legumes are a main component of livestock diets in winter cold zones, There are over 130 million ha of grassland in this zone and there is a large, undeveloped land base in fringe areas suitable for forage production. Regulations on land ownership and use hamper efficient development of forage-based farming systems in some regions. The short growing season Ii mils the grassland farming in the winter cold zones. The winter season is long and cold temperatures, freezing and thawing, and diseases' exert severe stress on overwintering forage plants. The development of persistent cultivars is essential for sustained production, particularly in the fringe areas with marginal growing season. The seasonality of dry matter production is a result of high growth rates in early summer and low dry matter accumulation in late summer and autumn. Innovative management practices and cultivars with improved regrowth capacity are necessary to overcome such skewed production pattern and to extend effective grazing season. Improved pastu1e production is an important factor in reducing costs in livestock operations and remaining competitive. It is suggested that applying available technology would increase forage and pasture productivity and reduce dependence on stored feeds, thus improving profitability of small producers in particular. Reducing nutrient losses during harvesting, storage and feeding is essential for improved production efficiency during confinement feeding. The development of low cost and labour-saving methods of ensiling is critical for .improved efficiency and profitability of forage-based enterprises. Livestock industries must respond to consumer preferences for low fat and low cholesterol foods. Research and development of entire production systems is emphasised for developing viable enterprises. It is increasingly difficult to secure resources for research, education and extension, and alliances and co-operation must expand among organisations with interests in forage-based livestock systems.
Citation
Kunelius, H T.; Kim, D A.; Hirota, H; and Zhu, T, "Factors Required to Sustain Pastoral Farming Systems and Forage Supply in Winter Cold Zones" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 3.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session17/3
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Factors Required to Sustain Pastoral Farming Systems and Forage Supply in Winter Cold Zones
Forage grasses and legumes are a main component of livestock diets in winter cold zones, There are over 130 million ha of grassland in this zone and there is a large, undeveloped land base in fringe areas suitable for forage production. Regulations on land ownership and use hamper efficient development of forage-based farming systems in some regions. The short growing season Ii mils the grassland farming in the winter cold zones. The winter season is long and cold temperatures, freezing and thawing, and diseases' exert severe stress on overwintering forage plants. The development of persistent cultivars is essential for sustained production, particularly in the fringe areas with marginal growing season. The seasonality of dry matter production is a result of high growth rates in early summer and low dry matter accumulation in late summer and autumn. Innovative management practices and cultivars with improved regrowth capacity are necessary to overcome such skewed production pattern and to extend effective grazing season. Improved pastu1e production is an important factor in reducing costs in livestock operations and remaining competitive. It is suggested that applying available technology would increase forage and pasture productivity and reduce dependence on stored feeds, thus improving profitability of small producers in particular. Reducing nutrient losses during harvesting, storage and feeding is essential for improved production efficiency during confinement feeding. The development of low cost and labour-saving methods of ensiling is critical for .improved efficiency and profitability of forage-based enterprises. Livestock industries must respond to consumer preferences for low fat and low cholesterol foods. Research and development of entire production systems is emphasised for developing viable enterprises. It is increasingly difficult to secure resources for research, education and extension, and alliances and co-operation must expand among organisations with interests in forage-based livestock systems.
