Tips for optimal grazing of dairy cattle!

Pasture grass is rich in VEM and protein. The excess of non-stable protein and the lack of structure require adjustment. The addition of maize silage slows down the quickly digestible pasture ration and ensures a better utilisation of the non-resistant protein. Limited grazing with maize as stable feed (e.g. at night) is therefore ideal. However, the weak point remains the fluctuating grass quality, due to weather conditions, and the varying grass supply. This therefore requires permanent adjustment in the supplementary feed.

Protein supplementation

It is a misconception that cows on pasture can never have a protein deficit. Pasture grass does indeed have a lot of non-resistant protein, but the DVE supply comes under pressure if you feed more than 15 kg of maize in addition. Therefore, choose a protein core with a lot of intestinal digestible protein, such as Milko 38. If you work with varying quantities of maize silage, it is also necessary to adjust the protein supplementation. This simple rule of thumb can be applied here:

• < 15 kg maize no extra protein,

• 15 kg maize 0.5 kg protein kernel,

• 20 kg maize 1 kg protein kernel,

• 25 kg maize 1,5 kg protein kernel,

Young, leafy meadow grass decomposes very quickly. This can mean that if cows are given a protein-poor ration during the night, a protein shortage could occur in the rumen during the second half of the night. That is why it is good to have a protein content of 15 per cent in the night-time ration. So be sure to have your ration calculated!

Supplementary concentrates

As mentioned before, pasture grass is poor in structure. Therefore, be sure to check with your representative which concentrates are best suited to the grazing period. The feeds in our range are rich in crude fibre:

• Fiber Korrel

• Milko Fiber

• Stimulo 19 Lipo

1. Ensure a gradual transition from stables to pasture; 2. Provide a good drinking water supply in the pasture with sufficient flow; 3. Match supplementary feed and pasture hours to the grass supply and conditions. Cows like to go out to pasture in the morning, but when conditions are bad they are also willing to come back to the stable in the afternoon; 4. If necessary (especially during rainy periods), provide extra structure.

Els Van Looveren

Product Manager Melkvee

Looking for even more advice?
Contact our representatives!
They will be happy to work out an appropriate grazing strategy for your farm.