ARS | Publication request: A Review of USDFRC Grazing Research

Submitted to: Symposium Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: June 29, 2006
Publication Date: June 29, 2006
Citation: Brink, G.E. 2006. A review of USDFRC grazing research. In: Proceedings of the Central Wisconsin River Graziers Network, June 29, 2006, Marshfield, Wisconsin.

Technical Abstract: Due to the manner in which cattle are fed, there is often less control of the variables influencing milk production on a pasture-based dairy than on a confinement dairy. Environment and management influence pasture productivity, quality, and utilization, which in turn influence stored feed and supplementation requirements. With the goal of increasing the proportion of intake derived from pasture, research was initiated to compare the change in yield and quality of temperate grasses as they mature in diverse environments. We found that although smooth bromegrass produces more yield in the spring, the digestibility of orchardgrass and quackgrass decline the slowest. Meadow fescue, a relatively little-used grass with excellent productivity and quality, produced a greater proportion of dry matter in the upper layers of the canopy, which may favorably impact intake. Extensive evaluation of meadow fescue is being conducted at several locations to determine its potential for grazing systems.