Another interesting article by Charlotte Johnston with TheCattleSite. Titled, “Practical Aspects of Feeding Grass to Dairy Cows,” this article details the use of grass based systems in a low cost feeding method for dairy producers. Check it out below…

Research that has been carried out by Teagasc at Moorepark Farm, Ireland have shown that fresh grass is one of most productive and viable feeds. Complete grass systems are operated in New Zealand and Australia – should other countries be adapting these grass management techniques to increase milk yields. From the 43rd University of Nottingham Feed Conference, TheCattleSite junior editor Charlotte Johnston.

Why use a grass based system?

Grass based systems are known to:

-Lower the cost per unit of milk production
-Have superior milk composition, such as greater fatty acids
-Have more sustainability with regard to economic, social and environmental effects
-Compared to other feed options, Pat Dillon, head of Moorepark Dairy Production Research Centre believes that good grassland management is not only the most viable but also the most productive. The table below shows the relative cost of grass compared to silage and concentrates. As can be seen from the research, feeding concentrates is 3.5 times more costly than applying good grass management.