Description

Practice abstract

Ireland experienced difficult grazing conditions from autumn 2023 to spring 2024 due to above average rainfall. The ground has been completely saturated and rain continuously fell making it very difficult for farmers to let their cows out without causing long term damage on the paddocks through poaching. 

To increase the level of herbage in the diet, Kevin practiced on-off grazing. On-off grazing consists in letting the cows out for few hours per day to allow them to graze fresh grass. Having short periods outside enables the cows to have access to high quality feed and to minimise the damage to paddocks. Cows eat 95% of their intake in two 3-hour grazing bouts compared to cows given 4.5 hours at grazing.  

As a result, Kevin decreased his feed cost, had better milk solids and milk production compared to when cows were only inside and fed on silage of lower quality than spring grass. However, Kevin points out that on-off grazing requires more work, as farmers need to go check on which paddock to allocate the cows, what allocation of grass, and bringing cows in outside of milking times.  

Context profil