Maximizing Lucerne (Medicago sativa) Pasture Intake of Dairy Cows: 1-the Effect of Pre-Grazing Pasture Height and Mixed Ration Level

Maximizing Lucerne (Medicago sativa) Pasture Intake of Dairy Cows: 1-the Effect of Pre-Grazing Pasture Height and Mixed Ration Level

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The effect of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) pre-grazing pasture height on pasture intake and milk production was investigated in a sub-tropical partial mixed ration el reformador tequila anejo (PMR) dairy system in south-east Queensland, Australia.The experiment involved a 26-day adaptation period followed by an eight-day measurement period during April and May 2018.Twenty-four multiparous Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were offered a mixed ration at either 7 (low) or 14 (high) kg dry matter (DM)/cow/day and allocated pastures at pre-grazing heights ranging from 23 to 39 cm.

The targeted pasture intake was 14 and 7 kg DM/cow/day for cows offered the low and high mixed ration allowances respectively, with a total intake target of 21 kg DM/cow/day.Pasture structure did not limit pasture intake as the all groups left at least sophie allport bee curtains 12% of the allocated area ungrazed, and therefore could selectively graze pasture.There was no significant difference in intake between mixed ration levels, however intake had a positive linear relationship with pre-grazing pasture height.For every one cm increase in pasture height, intake increased by 0.

3 kg DM/cow/day.Using a grazing strategy that ensures the some pasture remains ungrazed and the pre-grazing height of lucerne is approximately 39 cm above ground level will maximise pasture intake in sub-tropical PMR dairy systems.