[en] Grazing is more and more abandoned because of increasing size of herds and automation of herd management (e.g. automatic milking system – AMS). In this context, this study aims to evaluate milk production and composition of 2 large Belgian dairy herds equipped with AMS during winter and summer. These herds were followed over 2 years. At grazing, 30% of the offered feed was grass. Milk production in both herds was similar in summer and winter (30.2 ± 7.14 vs 29.7 ± 7.8 ± in Herd 1 and 26.9 ± 0.8 vs 26.4 ± 0.8 in Herd 2) while their milk composition differed. In conclusion, it is possible for grazing to be preserved even in large herds without impacting noticeably on the herd performance.
Disciplines :
Animal production & animal husbandry
Author, co-author :
Lessire, Françoise ; Université de Liège > Département de productions animales > LESNA
Hornick, Jean-Luc ; Université de Liège > Département de productions animales > Nutrition animale en milieu tropical
Dufrasne, Isabelle ; Université de Liège > Département de productions animales > Nutrition des animaux domestiques
Language :
English
Title :
Is it possible for large herds to graze while keeping a high milk yield level? The experience of two Belgian dairy farms.
Alternative titles :
[en] Est-ce possible pour les grands troupeaux de pâturer tout en gardant une production laitière élevée: l'expérience de 2 fermes laitères Belges.
Publication date :
15 June 2015
Event name :
EGF 2015 Grassland and forages in high output dairy systems
Event organizer :
European Grassland Federation
Event place :
Wageningen, Netherlands
Event date :
15-17 June 2015
Audience :
International
Main work title :
Grassland and forages in high output dairy farming systems
Main work alternative title :
[en] Pâtures et fourrages dans les systèmes d'élevage laitiers à haute production
