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Submitted to: Pennsylvania Grazing and Forage Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 2/1/2007 Publication Date: 2/15/2007 Citation: Soder, K.J. 2007. Meeting Nutrient Needs of Grazing Ruminants. Proceedings Northwest Pennsylvania Grazing Conference. p.6-10. Interpretive Summary: An interpretive summary is not required. Technical Abstract: High quality pastures are key to animal productivity. Just like harvested forages, nutritional quality of pastures is related to the maturity of the forage when harvested. Grasses harvested as hay or silage are typically more mature than when harvested as pasture, thus pasture should be of higher quality than stored forages. Well-managed pastures, regardless of the plant species, can be high in nutrient quality and often exceed the nutrient composition of high quality stored forages. Pasture is a nutritious, low-cost feed for ruminants in all stages of life. In many cases, pasture can supply all nutrient needs if managed properly. Pasture nutrient imbalances can be corrected if we know the pasture nutrient content (forage testing) and animal nutrient needs. Good grazing management is essential to maintaining quality pasture. Use of available information about forage quality and nutrition can lead to sound grazing and feeding management decisions. |
