Stressing the link between herd profitability and calf performance the researchers at Raumberg Gumpenstein University investigated into the effects of pasture forage on milk production.

The experiment, monitoring eight heifers previously averaging 7,380 kg, lasted the duration of three lactations and dry off periods. The cattle selected weighed between 532 kg and 685 kg and were fed exclusively on pasture forage. The feed had energy concentrations of between 4.8 and 5.2 MJ.

The cows were milked twice a day through each lactation in the experiment with milk production being monitored twice a day for yield and composition.

The results showed yield increases under the grass forage regime. The output of one cow increased by almost 40 per cent from 10.3 kg per day to 14.4 kg per day.

Following the experiment, the cows were re-integrated into the dairy herd while an average lactation yield of 6,621 kg milk (at least 6110 kg, max. 6,933 kg).

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