Author
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MULLER, LARRY - PENN STATE UNIV |
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Soder, Kathy |
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Submitted to: Popular Publication
Publication Type: Popular Publication Publication Acceptance Date: 6/20/2006 Publication Date: 9/20/2006 Citation: Muller, L., Soder, K.J. 2006. 100% pasture for dairy cows: profitability, milk quality and animal welfare. PA Project Grass. 4(6):5-7. Interpretive Summary: An interpretive summary is not required. Technical Abstract: Some dairy farmers and consumers are proponents of a diet for dairy cows with 100% pasture and no supplementation, similar to a New Zealand system. However, for US dairy producers who are thinking about a “100% pasture” system, this may not be a reality. Even during the 6 to 7 months grazing period, most US graziers need to feed some supplemental forages and feedstuffs, particularly in years with inadequate moisture. Supplementation of grazing cows can improve body condition of cows (resulting in improved reproductive performance, animal health, and animal welfare), stretch limited pasture resources (thereby increasing carrying capacity of the farm), improve milk production and milk components (resulting in improved economics at the current milk price to feed price ratio in the US), and more efficiently utilize pasture protein (thereby reducing nitrogen output into the environment). For these reasons, a 100% pasture diet may not be in the best interest of most grazing-based dairies. Pasture-based dairy farms must make management decisions that retain the benefits of a pasture-based system while striking a balance between profitability, environmental sustainability, and animal health and welfare. Supplementation is a management tool that plays a significant role in finding that balance. |
