Effects of sowing rate and grazing management of forage rape (Brassica napus) on grazing behaviour and utilisation by dairy cattle

2010 ◽  
Vol 50 (6) ◽  
pp. 560 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. P. Stefanski ◽  
S. C. Garcia ◽  
S. R. Farina ◽  
D. K. Y. Tan ◽  
D. Tanner
Keyword(s):  
Brassica Napus ◽  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
N Deposition ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Grazing System ◽  
Lactating Dairy Cattle ◽  
Forage Rape ◽  
Internal Markers ◽  
Grazing Behaviour

The increase in total factor productivity in the Australian dairy industry over the last 10 years has been low (1.5%). To help address this issue, ‘FutureDairy’ is aiming to increase the production of home-grown feed currently achieved from pastures using a complementary forage-rotation (CFR) system. Forage rape (Brassica napus) is a key component of the CFR; however, it is a complex crop to manage and feed, and the interactions between the behaviour and grazing habits of dairy cattle are unknown. The present experiment investigated the effect of the sowing rate and grazing management of forage rape on the grazing behaviour and forage utilisation of lactating dairy cattle. A field experiment was established, with a forage rape crop planted at three different sowing rates of 2, 3.5 and 5 kg/ha. The crop was grazed using either a ‘multiple grazing’ system, where the forage rape was strip-grazed in a manner to promote regrowth to allow for regrazing, or a ‘take-all grazing’ system, where the forage rape was grazed once only after reaching maximum biomass. The grazing preferences of cows for the sowing rates during the grazing sessions were visually observed and recorded, and forage utilisation was determined from pre-grazing and post-grazing forage availability. Nitrogen (N) deposition from excreta was estimated using stocking density and time spent. Cattle preferred grazing the forage rape sown at 2 kg/ha, but this preference did not result in higher forage utilisation. Grazing method had no effect on forage utilisation or N deposition. Cows should be removed after ~80 min of grazing in a multiple grazing system to ensure future regrowth. Further work is necessary to fully investigate the effects of grazing method on forage utilisation and N deposition, and more accurate external devices and internal markers should be used in the future to provide better estimates of forage utilisation.

Observations on the grazing behaviour of lactating dairy cattle in a sub-tropical environment

1960 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 261-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. Holder
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Tropical Environment ◽  
Supplementary Food ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Fodder Crop ◽  
Fourth Trial ◽  
Summer Temperatures ◽  
Environmental Temperatures ◽  
Lactating Dairy Cattle ◽  
Grazing Behaviour

1. Three trials are reported in which the grazing behaviour of separate groups of cows, one receiving supplementary food, either as conserved roughage, concentrate or fodder crop, was observed over 24 hr. periods. A fourth trial, assessing the effect of summer temperatures on unshaded milking cows, is briefly described.2. In trials 1 and 2 the stall feeding of either conserved roughage or concentrate reduced grazing as compared with unsupplemented cows by approximately 10%.3. Allowing access to a fresh ‘strip’ of a fodder crop at a set time each day, whilst not altering total grazing time, very markedly altered periodicity of grazing. Cows delayed grazing up to 3 hr. whilst awaiting a fresh ‘strip’.4. Environmental temperatures up to 87° F. did not alter total grazing time as compared with grazing time when temperature reached a maximum of only 70° F.5. The value of supplementary feeding of dairy cattle at pasture, at least where the intake of pasture is sufficient for maintenance and a low level of production, appears to be open to question.

scholarly journals An assessment of grazing management options for Mediterranean grasslands using Noy-Meir's model of system dynamics parameterized from a long-term field trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 156 (10) ◽  
pp. 1205-1215 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. G. Seligman ◽  
E. D. Ungar ◽  
A. Perevolotsky ◽  
Z. Henkin
Keyword(s):  
System Dynamics ◽  
Field Trial ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Independent Set ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Early Season ◽  
Grazing System ◽  
Supplementary Feed

AbstractNoy-Meir's simple but insightful model of grazing-system dynamics was used to draw broader inferences from empirical data generated by a 17-year field trial with beef cattle grazing a Mediterranean grassland in northern Israel. After calibration of its parameters against the field results, the model predictions were tested against an independent set of data obtained from the study site; they were within acceptable deviations from the inherently noisy field data. The calibrated model was used to analyse the effects of changes to two key grazing-management factors – stocking density and early-season grazing deferment – on biomass dynamics and forage consumption. The simulated results were used to calculate forage deficits and supplementary feed requirements for optimum herd performance during the growth (‘green’) season and throughout the year. The results revealed a critical stocking density of 0.7 Animal Units (AU)/ha, above which early-season deferment reduced the amount of supplementary feed required to maintain the optimum production of the herd. Optimum stocking is higher when the grassland is used mainly in the highly nutritious green season. Responses of the strongly seasonal Mediterranean grassland to the interaction between stocking density and early-season grazing deferment were expressed by a calibrated model, in terms that determine the efficiency of forage supplementation of the herd during the green season and throughout the year.

423. Some observations on the behaviour of dairy cattle with particular reference to grazing

1950 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 215-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. E. Castle ◽  
A. S. Foot ◽  
R. J. Halley
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Average Distance ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Lying Down ◽  
Grazing Behaviour

1. The behaviour of dairy cattle under normal commercial conditions of management was studied in two series of observations:(a) Four cows were observed continuously for 24 hr. on four occasions at approximately two-weekly intervals.(b) A herd (average fifty-two cows) was observed continuously for 24 hr. on twelve occasions at approximately monthly intervals.2. Under our conditions and within our definitions, the cows grazed 6–52 hr., lay down 9–22 hr. and loafed 8–26 hr. on an average during 24 hr.3. The cows ruminated 5–60 hr. per 24 hr.; 4–52 hr. when lying down and 1–08 hr. when loafing.4. On average the animals defaecated 1T6 times, urinated 9–8 times, and drank 3–8 times in 24 hr.5. One animal walked an average distance of 1–74 miles per 24 hr., excluding journeys to the cowshed.6. No aspect of grazing behaviour was found to be strongly related to either current milk yields or air temperature.7. When on ‘good’ pasture, as compared to ‘poor’, the animals grazed for a shorter time, walked less, and took fewer drinks.8. From the results of the herd observations a similar periodicity of behaviour during 24 hr. was observed throughout the year but was more apparent when environmental conditions were similar.9. When the herd was confined to 5 ft. concrete standings during the winter nights, the animals did not rest as comfortably as when out of doors.10. Major peaks of grazing or eating were recorded after each milking followed by periods of lying down, especially during the night.11. Time of sunset has been related to the time when grazing ceased and the herd lay down.12. In view of the data collected, tentative suggestions for improving grazing management are made.

scholarly journals Prediction of urinary nitrogen and urinary urea nitrogen excretion by lactating dairy cattle in northwestern Europe and North America: A meta-analysis

2013 ◽  
Vol 96 (7) ◽  
pp. 4310-4322 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.W. Spek ◽  
J. Dijkstra ◽  
G. van Duinkerken ◽  
W.H. Hendriks ◽  
A. Bannink
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Nitrogen Excretion ◽  
Urea Nitrogen ◽  
Lactating Dairy Cattle ◽  
Urinary Nitrogen

scholarly journals Effect of a low-moisture buffer block on ruminal pH in lactating dairy cattle induced with subacute ruminal acidosis

2009 ◽  
Vol 92 (1) ◽  
pp. 352-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.M. Krause ◽  
D.V. Dhuyvetter ◽  
G.R. Oetzel
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Subacute Ruminal Acidosis ◽  
Ruminal Ph ◽  
Ruminal Acidosis ◽  
Lactating Dairy Cattle ◽  
Buffer Block

The grazing behaviour of dairy cattle at the national institute for research in dairying

1953 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 139-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.E. Castle ◽  
R.J. Halley
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Grazing Behaviour

scholarly journals Efficacy of Simulated, Slow Release Sodium Bicarbonate in Stabilizing Ruminal Milieu and Acid-Base Status in Lactating Dairy Cattle

1988 ◽  
Vol 71 (7) ◽  
pp. 1823-1829 ◽  
Author(s):  
W.B. Tucker ◽  
G.A. Harrison ◽  
R.W. Hemken ◽  
R.J. Harmon
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Sodium Bicarbonate ◽  
Slow Release ◽  
Acid Base ◽  
Acid Base Status ◽  
Lactating Dairy Cattle

The effect of space allowance and milk yield level on the performance and behaviour of dairy cattle housed in straw yards

1998 ◽  
Vol 1998 ◽  
pp. 108-108
Author(s):  
J. A. Fregonesi ◽  
J.D. Leaver
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Important Variable ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Ways Of Coping ◽  
Yield Level ◽  
Face Width ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Friesian Cows

Space allowance could be an important variable affecting production, health, reproductive performance and behaviour of dairy cattle. Also, high and low yielding cows may have different ways of coping with insufficient space allowance. The aim of this experiment was to study the influence of space allowance and milk yield level on the performance and behaviour of strawyard housed dairy cows.The experiment was carried out using 24 Holstein Friesian cows with two groups in early lactation of high (over 30 kg/day milk yield) and two groups in late lactation of low yield (under 25 kg/day milk yield). The groups were allocated to strawyard systems with low stocking density (bed area/cow = 9 m2; pen area/cow = 13.5 m2; feed face width/cow = 1.5 m) or high stocking density (bed area/cow = 4.5 m2; pen area/cow = 6.75 m2; feed face width/cow = 0.75m) conforming to a changeover design with two periods, each of four weeks. The cows were fed a total mixed ration ad libitum and 2kg/cow/day of concentrate in the milking parlour. All animals were milked twice daily.

RUAKURA STUDIES ON THE GRAZING BEHAVIOUR OF DAIRY CATTLE

1955 ◽  
pp. 96-105
Author(s):  
P. Brumby
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Grazing Cattle ◽  
Extensive Grazing ◽  
Grazing Behaviour

At the outset it must be made clear that this paper is largely based on John Hancock's extensive grazing behaviour studies at Ruakura. More recently I have had the opportunity of carrying out further observations on grazing cattle. A brief review of these, of Hancock's earlier work, and a number of related overseas reports form the basis of this paper.

scholarly journals Antimicrobial-Resistant Enteric Bacteria from Dairy Cattle

2006 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
pp. 156-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashish A. Sawant ◽  
Narasimha V. Hegde ◽  
Beth A. Straley ◽  
Sarah C. Donaldson ◽  
Brenda C. Love ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Dna Hybridization ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Dairy Herd ◽  
Enteric Bacteria ◽  
Gram Negative Bacteria ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Predominant Species ◽  
Lactating Dairy Cattle

ABSTRACT A study was conducted to understand the descriptive and molecular epidemiology of antimicrobial-resistant gram-negative enteric bacteria in the feces of healthy lactating dairy cattle. Gram-negative enteric bacteria resistant to ampicillin, florfenicol, spectinomycin, and tetracycline were isolated from the feces of 35, 8, 5, and 42% of 213 lactating cattle on 74, 39, 9, 26, and 82% of 23 farms surveyed, respectively. Antimicrobial-resistant gram-negative bacteria accounted for 5 (florfenicol) to 14% (tetracycline) of total gram-negative enteric microflora. Nine bacterial species were isolated, of which Escherichia coli (87%) was the most predominant species. MICs showing reduced susceptibility to ampicillin, ceftiofur, chloramphenicol, florfenicol, spectinomycin, streptomycin, and tetracycline were observed in E. coli isolates. Isolates exhibited resistance to ampicillin (48%), ceftiofur (11%), chloramphenicol (20%), florfenicol (78%), spectinomycin (18%), and tetracycline (93%). Multidrug resistance (≥3 to 6 antimicrobials) was seen in 40% of E. coli isolates from healthy lactating cattle. Of 113 tetracycline-resistant E. coli isolates, tet(B) was the predominant resistance determinant and was detected in 93% of isolates, while the remaining 7% isolates carried the tet(A) determinant. DNA-DNA hybridization assays revealed that tet determinants were located on the chromosome. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis revealed that tetracycline-resistant E. coli isolates (n = 99 isolates) belonged to 60 subtypes, which is suggestive of a highly diverse population of tetracycline-resistant organisms. On most occasions, E. coli subtypes, although shared between cows within the herd, were confined mostly to a dairy herd. The findings of this study suggest that commensal enteric E. coli from healthy lactating cattle can be an important reservoir for tetracycline and perhaps other antimicrobial resistance determinants.

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