Publication Date
1997
Description
Forage species, stocking rate, and supplementation rate effects upon performance of lactating dairy cows were studied. Forage mass and nutritive value and nutrient concentration in shallow groundwater also were measured. Cows (n = 44) grazed bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) or rhizoma peanut (Arachis glabrata), stocked at 4.9 or 7.4 cows ha-1, and 2.5 or 4.9 cows ha-1, respectively. Pelleted concentrate:whole cottonseed (80:20) was offered twice daily post milking at 1 kg per 2 or 3 kg of daily milk production. Cows grazing rhizoma peanut produced more (P = .076) milk per day but had greater (P = .028) loss of body condition. Higher stocking rates caused greater (P > .070) weight loss. Greater supplementation increased (P < .05) production of milk, fat and protein, but also increased (P < .044) weight and body condition losses. Higher stocking rates and lower supplementation reduced pasture (P < .001) herbage mass. Rhizoma peanut herbage was higher in nutritive value than bermudagrass. Nutrient concentrations in shallow groundwater were not affected by treatments. Use of pasture for lactating cows has potential in Florida, but low milk production and loss of body condition during summer pose management challenges.
Citation
Fike, J H.; Staples, C R.; Sollenberger, L E.; and Graetz, D A., "Intensive Rotational Grazing Systems for Dairying in a Subtropical Environment: Animal, Plant, and Soil Responses" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 43.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1997/session29/43
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Intensive Rotational Grazing Systems for Dairying in a Subtropical Environment: Animal, Plant, and Soil Responses
Forage species, stocking rate, and supplementation rate effects upon performance of lactating dairy cows were studied. Forage mass and nutritive value and nutrient concentration in shallow groundwater also were measured. Cows (n = 44) grazed bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) or rhizoma peanut (Arachis glabrata), stocked at 4.9 or 7.4 cows ha-1, and 2.5 or 4.9 cows ha-1, respectively. Pelleted concentrate:whole cottonseed (80:20) was offered twice daily post milking at 1 kg per 2 or 3 kg of daily milk production. Cows grazing rhizoma peanut produced more (P = .076) milk per day but had greater (P = .028) loss of body condition. Higher stocking rates caused greater (P > .070) weight loss. Greater supplementation increased (P < .05) production of milk, fat and protein, but also increased (P < .044) weight and body condition losses. Higher stocking rates and lower supplementation reduced pasture (P < .001) herbage mass. Rhizoma peanut herbage was higher in nutritive value than bermudagrass. Nutrient concentrations in shallow groundwater were not affected by treatments. Use of pasture for lactating cows has potential in Florida, but low milk production and loss of body condition during summer pose management challenges.
