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ARS Home » Northeast Area » University Park, Pennsylvania » Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #99916
Title: DAFOSYM: A TOOL FOR EVALUATING INTEGRATED DAIRY FARMING SYSTEMS

Author
item Rotz, Clarence - Al
item Stout, William
item Sanderson, Matt

Submitted to: Proceedings of the XXVIII International Congress of CIOSTA-CIGRV
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/13/1999
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: Rotz, C.A., Stout, W.L., Sanderson, M.A. 1999. DAFOSYM: a tool for evaluating integrated dairy farming systems. In Work Sciences in Sustainable Agriculture. Proceedings of the XXVIII International Congress of CIOSTA-CIGR V Congress. June 14-17, 1999. Horsens, Denmark. p. 278-283.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Economic and environmental concerns are forcing dairy farms of North America toward greater efficiency. Integration of the considerable amount of available information into the planning of improved dairy production systems requires a comprehensive, whole-farm approach. A dairy farm simulation model (DAFOSYM) provides a tool that integrates the many biological and physical processes, and the interaction among those processes, to predict the performance, economics, and environmental impact of farming systems. The long-term costs, benefits, and risks of alternative systems can be compared to aid the design and development of farms for the future. Management-intensive grazing is one approach considered by U.S. dairy farmers. Long-term simulations illustrate that grazing systems can substantially improve the profitability and potentially reduce nutrient losses from dairy farms when compared to full confinement animal feeding and handling systems.