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Intake and performance of lactating cows grazing diverse forage mixtures
K J Soder1, M A Sanderson, J L Stack
1USDA/Agricultural Research Service, Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Unit, University Park, PA 16802-3702, USA. Kathy.Soder@ars.usda.gov
Journal of Dairy Science
|May 17, 2006
Summary
Increasing forage complexity in dairy cow pastures did not impact dry matter intake or milk production. However, more diverse pastures slightly increased beneficial conjugated linoleic acid in milk fat.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Ruminant Nutrition
- Forage Management
Background:
- Pasture-based dairy systems rely on forage quality and diversity.
- Understanding how forage mixture complexity influences cow performance is crucial for sustainable dairy farming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of varying forage mixture complexity on lactating dairy cow intake, productivity, and blood metabolites.
- To determine if increased species diversity in pastures enhances dairy cow performance.
Main Methods:
- Twenty multiparous Holstein cows were used in a 12-week study over two grazing seasons.
- Cows grazed four distinct forage mixtures: 2, 3, 6, and 9 species.
- Herbage intake, milk yield, milk composition, milk fatty acid profiles, and blood metabolites were measured.
Main Results:
- Total herbage intake and milk production (34.6 kg/d) were not significantly affected by forage mixture diversity.
- Milk fat percentage (3.4%) and milk protein percentage (2.8%) remained consistent across treatments.
- Conjugated linoleic acid content in milk fat was higher in cows grazing more complex mixtures (3, 6, and 9 species) compared to the 2-species mixture.
Conclusions:
- Forage mixture complexity did not alter dry matter intake, milk production, or key blood metabolite levels in lactating dairy cows.
- While overall performance was unaffected, complex forage mixtures may offer benefits in terms of specific milk fatty acid profiles.
- These findings suggest that diverse forage mixtures can be utilized in grazing systems without negatively impacting dairy cow performance.
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