Description

Practice abstract

As in many automated dairy farms, the installation of the milking robot resulted in a decrease in grazing at Tangi’s farm. The cows were only grazing on 10 hectares and their feed was almost exclusively composed of stored supplies, leading to high feeding costs. Therefore, Tangi decided to gradually increase the grazed area. He quickly reached 0.25 and then 0.35 ha per cow, ultimately exceeding 0.45 ha per cow with the installation of a cow tunnel. 

The goal is to control the quantity of the grass and maximize its utilization through grazing. To help with the grazing management, Tangi started out using a mechanical plate meter but now uses an electronic one.  He taught himself, completed many trainings, and today, he draws inspiration from Breton and Irish methods in his grazing management. 

The electronic plate meter also allows “Grass Hopper®” to quickly transfer data for analysis, which saves time. Tangi uses computerized decision support tools such as the “Herbavenir®” tool from the Chamber of Agriculture of Brittany. 

His objectives have been achieved: his feeding costs have significantly decreased, and his working time is satisfactory thanks to grazing. His advice: start with a simple system and seek guidance! 

Context profil