Barley or black oat silages in feeding strategies for small-scale dairy systems in the highlands of Mexico

2020 ◽  
Vol 100 (2) ◽  
pp. 221-227
Author(s):  
Aída Gómez-Miranda ◽  
Julieta Gertrudis Estrada-Flores ◽  
Ernesto Morales-Almaraz ◽  
Felipe López-González ◽  
Gonzalo Flores-Calvete ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Milk Fat ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Feeding Strategies ◽  
Feeding Costs ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Dairy Systems ◽  
Small Scale Dairy

High costs from external inputs in small-scale dairy systems (SSDS) and possible effects of climate change, require forage alternatives as silage for the dry season, from small-grain cereals that have short cropping cycles, winter hardiness, and good nutritional quality. The objective was to assess the provision of 10 kg dry matter (DM) cow−1 d−1 of barley (BLY) or black oat (BKO) silages in three treatments: T1 = 100% BLY; T2 = 50% BLY + 50% BKO; T3 = 100% BKO for milking cows. All treatments also received 4.6 kg DM cow−1 d−1 of concentrates and access to pasture. Nine Holstein cows in groups of three were randomly assigned to a 3 × 3 Latin square design repeated three times, with 14 d experimental periods. Measurements of animal variables and sampling for chemical analyses of feeds were done during the last 4 d of each period. Feeding costs were by partial budgets. There were no differences (P > 0.05) for milk yield, milk fat and protein content, milk urea nitrogen, body condition score, or live weight. The cost of BLY silage was 8% less than BKO silage. T1 had the higher margin over cost of feeds followed by T2. Both silages alone or in combination are viable options for SSDS, as there were no differences in performance, or in feeding costs or margins.

Grazed rain-fed small-grain cereals as a forage option for small-scale dairy systems in central Mexico

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesús Israel Vega-García ◽  
Felipe López-González ◽  
Ernesto Morales-Almaraz ◽  
Carlos Manuel Arriaga-Jordán
Keyword(s):  
Economic Performance ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Latin Squares ◽  
Chemical Components ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Sward Height ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Dairy Systems ◽  
Small Scale Dairy

Abstract Small-scale dairy systems face reduced availability of water for irrigation of pastures and disruption in the amount or pattern of rains due to climate change, so research on alternative short-cycle rain-fed forages is needed. Grazing reduces feeding costs and small-grain cereals may be an option. The objective was to assess on-farm the performance of dairy cows grazing 6 h/d of three small-grain cereals: rye (RYE), wheat (WHT), and triticale (TRT), and supplemented 4.5 kg DM/cow/d of concentrate. Twelve Holstein cows were used in repeated 3x3 Latin Squares with 14-day experimental periods. Pasture variables were analysed with a split-plot design, and economic analysis was performed with partial budgets. Sampling of forage (sward height, net herbage accumulation, botanical and chemical composition of herbage) and animal variables (milk yield and composition, live weight, and body condition score) were at the end of each period. RYE showed a trend (P = 0.10) for higher net herbage accumulation with highly significant differences (P < 0.001) among periods. RYE had higher DM, a lower CP content (P < 0.05) and no differences for other chemical components between treatments (P > 0.05). RYE proportion in pasture was consistently higher, whilst the lowest cereal proportion was in WHT. There were no differences (P > 0.05) for any animal variable. The RYE and TRT treatments proved useful as rain-fed forage alternatives under grazing. WHT showed lower crop and economic performance. However given the higher cereal component in pastures, regrowth potential, post-grazing herbage mass, as well as better economic performance, the RYE treatment was better ranked by the participating farmer.

Supplementation of dairy cows with commercial concentrate or ground maize grain under cut-and-carry or grazing of cultivated pastures in small-scale systems in the highlands of central Mexico

2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 368 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Velarde-Guillén ◽  
J. G. Estrada-Flores ◽  
A. A. Rayas-Amor ◽  
F. Vicente ◽  
A. Martínez-Fernández ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Protein Content ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Feeding Costs ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Maize Grain ◽  
Small Scale Dairy

Small-scale dairy systems (SSDS) in Mexico represent over 78% of dairy farms and 37% of milk production. In the central highlands, many SSDS base the feeding of herds on irrigated cultivated pastures (mostly cut-and-carry), straws, and large amounts of commercial concentrates that result in high feeding costs and low economic sustainability. Intensive grazing may result in lower feeding costs when compared with cut-and-carry strategies. The high protein content of pasture may meet requirements of dairy cows with moderate milk yield (16–20 kg milk/cow.day), so that lower protein supplements, like ground maize grain, may substitute for commercial concentrates. An on-farm experiment following a participatory rural research approach was undertaken with seven farmers evaluating commercial concentrate (CC) or ground maize grain (MG) as supplement; and two pasture managements, grazing (G) or cut-and-carry (C) of irrigated ryegrass/white clover pastures to assess productive performance and feeding costs. Six farmers participated with four milking cows each and one farmer with two groups of four milking cows in a 2 by 2 factorial experiment. Daily milk yield per cow before the experiment was used as covariate. The experiment lasted 12 weeks. There is a trend in G for higher protein content in milk (P &lt; 0.10). CC showed higher body condition score than MG with a significant interaction for body condition score with the highest body condition score in CCC (P &lt; 0.05). Feeding costs were 15% higher per kg of milk yield and 19% per kg of energy-corrected milk under cut-and-carry but no statistical differences were detected (P &gt; 0.05) in comparison with the grazing strategy. Supplementing with home-grown ground maize grain resulted in 28.5% higher margins per kg of milk produced. Implementing grazing involves less work burden for small-scale dairy farmers, and combined with home-grown grains as supplement is a viable option that may reduce feeding costs in these systems.

scholarly journals Body Condition Score and Milk Production on Conception Rate of Cows under a Small-Scale Dairy System

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 800
Author(s):  
Luis Javier Montiel-Olguín ◽  
Felipe J. Ruiz-López ◽  
Miguel Mellado ◽  
Eliab Estrada-Cortés ◽  
Sergio Gómez-Rosales ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Metabolic Stress ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Conception Rate ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Small Scale Dairy

Management and production characteristics impact conception rate to first service (CR1S) in small-scale dairy farms, but the impact of body condition score (BCS) and milk production levels on cows’ fertility is unknown. Our objective is to determine the effect of BCS and milk production on CR1S in small-scale dairy farms of western Mexico. Logistic regression models are used to determine the effect of BCS (at calving and first service), 60-d and 305-d milk production, protein and fat production, lactation number, and days at first service on CR1S. BCS at calving does not affect CR1S in cows with three or more lactations (39.5%; p > 0.1). However, first-lactation cows with BCS < 3.0 at calving and second lactation cows with BCS ≤ 2.5 at calving have higher CR1S (63.2 and 67.9%, respectively; p < 0.1). This result is perhaps due to reduced milk production, which leads to lower metabolic stress. BCS ≤ 2.5 at calving is associated (p < 0.05) with a reduced milk yield, explaining partially the observed higher CR1S in these groups. Cows with BCS ≤ 2.5 at first service in the higher quartile of 60-d milk production (≥ 28kg/day) show lower CR1S (23.9 and 51.1%, respectively; p < 0.01). In conclusion, BCS at calving and at first service, 60-d milk production, and lactation number are factors associated with CR1S.

scholarly journals Effects of winter feeding strategies with alternative feeds on the performance of mature suckler cows and their progeny

2008 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 348 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. MANNINEN ◽  
K. SAARIJÄRVI ◽  
H. HUHTA
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Metabolizable Energy ◽  
Feeding Strategies ◽  
Grass Silage ◽  
Reproduction Strategy ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Alternative Feeds ◽  
Barley Silage

The present study evaluated the effects of feeding strategies with alternative feeds on the performance of mature suckler cows and their progeny during indoor feeding and subsequent grazing. In both experiments, a 2 × 2 factorially arranged design consisted of two feeding strategies (Step-up, Sas offered on Strategy S, but at a constant daily level. In Experiment 1, cows on Diet C were offered grass silage and straw and on Diet A grass silage and a fl our-mill industry by-product. On Strategy S, feeding was stepped with barley (0, 1.5 and 3.5 kg d-1). On Strategy F, barley was offered 1.43 kg per head daily. In Experiment 2, cows were offered either grass silage (C) or whole-crop barley silage (A) as a sole feed. Strategy S was carried out by offering 68, 95 and 119 MJ metabolizable energy (ME) per cow daily. On Strategy F, roughage was given daily 97 MJ ME. In both experiments, there were no signifi cant differences between treatments in the cow live weight, body condition score, calf pre-weaning live weight gain and cow reproduction. Strategy F can be practised in the nutrition of mature suckler cows in marginal circumstances. Flour-mill industry by-product can partly replace grass silage and straw in the winter diet. Wholecrop barley silage can be offered as a sole feed to suckler cows with good body condition score in autumn.;

Effect of draught work on performance and metabolism of crossbred cows 1. Effect of work and diet on body-weight change, body condition, lactation and productivity

1995 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 361-367 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Gemeda ◽  
E. Zerbini ◽  
A. G. Wold ◽  
D. Demissie
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Productivity Index ◽  
Weight Changes ◽  
Body Weight Changes ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
On Farm

AbstractForty pregnant F1 crossbred dairy cows (20 Friesian × Boran and 20 Simmental × Boran) were stratified in a 2 × 2 diet × work factorial experiment (not working-not supplemented, NWNS; not working-supplemented, NWS; working-not supplemented, WNS; and working-supplemented, WS). Working cows pulled sledges 100 days/year (pull = 350 to 450 N, 4 h/day, 4 days/week). Work output of supplemented and non-supplemented cows was similar over 1 and 2 years. Over all 3 years, dry-matter intake relative to metabolic body size (g/kg M0.75 was greater for working, compared with non-working cows. Body-weight changes and body condition score were similar for working and non-working cows. Non-supplemented cows lost weight throughout the first 2-year period, while supplemented cows tended to maintain or gain body weight over 1 and 3 years. Over 2 years, supplementation of working cows proportionately reduced live-weight loss by 0.73 and doubled the number of conceptions and parturitions. Days in milk, milk, milk fat and protein yields were similar for working and non-working cows, but were greater for supplemented, compared with non-supplemented, cows. Total conceptions and calves born in all 3 years tended to be greater for supplemented and non-working compared with non-supplemented and working cows. A productivity index (PI) that took into account food intake was calculated. The PI for supplemented cows over 2 years was greater than that for non-supplemented cows. Meanwhile the PI was similar for working and non-working cows over all periods considered. A similar PI for working and non-working cows under supplementation indicates potential of on-farm adoption of a cow traction technology that includes improved food production and ng strategies.

The effect of height of pasture and concentrate composition on dairy cows grazed on continuously stocked pastures

1987 ◽  
Vol 109 (2) ◽  
pp. 293-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Kibon ◽  
W. Holmes
Keyword(s):  
Sugar Beet ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Metabolizable Energy ◽  
Sugar Beet Pulp ◽  
Herbage Intake ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Beet Pulp

SummaryThe effects of pasture height and of a cereal-based concentrate or a sugar-beet pulp supplement were studied with 30 spring-calving cows on continuously stocked, perennial ryegrass dominant pasture in a 3 × 3 latin-square design with periods of 4 weeks. Pastures were maintained at heights of about 5·0 cm (short) or 6·5 cm (control). On the short pasture, the two supplements had similar effects and were additive but on the control pasture, compared with sugar-beet pulp, the cereal concentrate depressed herbage intake. Average fat-corrected milk yields were 26·3 and 28·1 kg/day on short and control areas respectively. Both supplements increased milk yields by about 0·7 kg per kg OM supplied. Cows on the short pasture tended to lose weight. Supplements slightly increased live weight and sugar-beet pulp tended to increase body condition score. In observations continued after the conclusion of the main experiment the short pasture was more productive and of slightly higher nutritive value. Cows receiving the concentrate supplements increased total intake but this was reflected only in live weight. The total utilized metabolizable energy for the whole season was about 130 GJ/ha.

scholarly journals The Relative Importance of Herbage Nutritive Value and Climate in Determining Daily Performance per Cow in a Pasture-Based Dairy Farm

Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 444
Author(s):  
Federico Duranovich ◽  
Nicola Shadbolt ◽  
Ina Draganova ◽  
Nicolas López-Villalobos ◽  
Ian Yule ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Feeding Strategies ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Milk Urea

The objective of this study was to assess the relative importance of herbage nutritive value (NV), herbage quantity and climate-related factors in determining daily performance per cow in a pasture-based dairy farm. Data on milk production, live weight, body condition score, weather, herbage NV and herbage quantity were regularly collected from August 2016 to April 2017 and from July 2017 to April 2018 at Dairy 1, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression. Results indicated herbage NV was of higher relative importance in explaining the variation in performance per cow than herbage quantity and climate factors. The relative importance of the interaction between herbage metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) on explaining variation in yields of milk, fat and protein was high (0.11 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.15). Herbage ME was of high relative importance in determining milk urea and body condition score, while neutral detergent fiber was a key driver of milk urea and liveweight (0.12 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.16). The quantity of herbage supplied at Dairy 1 might have been high enough to not limit cow performance. Developing feeding strategies aimed at improving the efficiency of cow feeding by exploiting the daily variation in herbage NV to better match supply and demand of nutrients may be useful to improve the overall performance per cow of pasture-based dairy farms.

scholarly journals PSI-18 Performance of kiko wethers and katahdin rams co-stocked in woodlands with diverse vegetation

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 261-261
Author(s):  
Bidur Paneru ◽  
Uma Karki ◽  
Nevershi Ellis ◽  
Shailes Bhattrai
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Performance Data ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Animal Performance ◽  
Southeast United States ◽  
Grazing System ◽  
Condition Score

Abstract Small ruminant production in the southeast United States is mainly pasture based and most of the producers are small scale. Woodland grazing is becoming familiar with the producers and can serve as an alternative grazing system in the Southeast. Some literature is available on the performance of matured goats and sheep stocked separately in woodlands. However, information is lacking on the performance of goats and sheep when co-grazed in woodlands. The objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of Kiko wethers and Katahdin rams co-stocked in woodlands. Eight Kiko wethers and five Katahdin rams (both mature) were co-stocked rotationally in three woodland plots (1-acre each) from mid-May to mid-October 2019. Each study plot had four different virtual sections with average vegetation-canopy height of 2.7 feet, 4.4 feet, 5.5 feet, and 5.7 feet (treatments) at the beginning of the study. Animals were stocked together in each plot and moved to the next plot when 50% of the available vegetation within animal’s reach was consumed. Animal performance data on live weight, body condition score (BCS) and FAMACHA score were collected before stocking animals in the study plots and every 14 days thereafter. Animal performance data were analyzed using GLM procedure with MANOVA options in SAS 9.4. Results showed that live weight of Kiko wethers ranged (163±5.9 - 177±5.9) lbs., body condition score ranged (2.4±0.09 - 3.4±0.09) and FAMACHA score ranged (2.0±0.08 - 2.4±0.08). Katahdin rams maintained live weight between (199±11.6 - 211±11.6) lbs., body condition score between (2.7±0.09 - 3.7±0.09) and FAMACH score between (1.8±0.12 - 2.2±0.12). BCS and FAMACHA score were in the normal range for grazing goats and sheep. Both animal species maintained satisfactory live weight, BSC and FAMACHA score in woodlands when co-stocked. Further study is needed to determine the performance of animals in higher nutritional demand.

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