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Publication Date
1997
Location
Manitoba and Saskatchewan
Description
The effects of sward height and bulk density on herbage intake and grazing behaviour of dairy cows during 1 hour grazing periods was investigated. Sward factors had a marked effect on dry matter (DM) intake/bite, which ranged from 0.4 to 1.1 g, and this was reflected in hourly intake rates. Intake/bite was largely influenced by sward height, reflecting increased bite depth in taller swards, with inherent differences between swards at low sward heights largely attributable to differences in bulk density (BD). The results indicate that DM intake rates up to 4.0 kg DM/hour can be achieved in short term grazing studies with dairy cows grazing tall (180 mm+), dense (3.0 kg DM/m3), leafy perennial ryegrass swards.
Citation
Mayne, C S.; McGilloway, D; Cushnahan, A; and Laidlaw, A S., "The Effect of Sward Height and Bulk Density on Herbage Intake and Grazing Behaviour of Dairy Cows" (1997). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 6.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1997/session2/6)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
The Effect of Sward Height and Bulk Density on Herbage Intake and Grazing Behaviour of Dairy Cows
Manitoba and Saskatchewan
The effects of sward height and bulk density on herbage intake and grazing behaviour of dairy cows during 1 hour grazing periods was investigated. Sward factors had a marked effect on dry matter (DM) intake/bite, which ranged from 0.4 to 1.1 g, and this was reflected in hourly intake rates. Intake/bite was largely influenced by sward height, reflecting increased bite depth in taller swards, with inherent differences between swards at low sward heights largely attributable to differences in bulk density (BD). The results indicate that DM intake rates up to 4.0 kg DM/hour can be achieved in short term grazing studies with dairy cows grazing tall (180 mm+), dense (3.0 kg DM/m3), leafy perennial ryegrass swards.
