Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Compared with a few years ago, the cost of concentrates has increased substantially and because of that an increased proportion of pasture is of interest. Pasture is cheap and the farmer does not have to harvest when the cows do it themselves by grazing. This saves both money and time.
According to research milk yield decrease with an increasing proportion of pasture in the diet. This is because cows on pasture will have lower dry matter intake than cows with supplements. On a pasture-only diet, high producing cows have problems in covering their energy- and nutrient requirements. A trend with decreasing numbers of dairy cows on pasture can be seen in many temperate areas. In Sweden, Norway and Finland this trend is modified by welfare legislation that require most dairy cows to be given access to pasture, or to outdoor exercise areas summertime.