Vergleich von neuseeländischen und „einheimischen“ Holsteinkühen in erster Laktation unter Vollweide auf einem Biobetrieb

Cow types adapted to forage-based production systems are of particular interest for organic milk production, because of the limited use of additives (concentrates, pharmaceuticals etc.). The objective of this project was to study the aptitude of New Zealand Holstein cows (HNZ) to produce milk in a pasture-based production system with a shortened calving season (February to mid April) under organic conditions. 11 HNZ were compared 2007 to 11 farm-bred, “Swiss” Holstein cows (HCH), all of them during their first lactation, in a rotational pasture system on the organic farm “l’Abbaye” in Sorens (CH). With an average live weight (LW) at the beginning of 469 kg and a height at withers (WH) of 130 cm the HNZ were considerably smaller compared to HCH with 609 kg LW and 147 cm WH. During the first lactation the HNZ gained more body mass (63 kg vs. 24 kg, P < 0.03) and had a higher average body condition score (3.03 vs. 2.77, P < 0.04). The milk production per HNZ was lower by 1000 kg milk (P < 0.004) respectively 800 kg energy-corrected milk (ECM) (P < 0.02). No differences were detected between the two cow types concerning the ECM production per 100 kg metabolic weight. Milk protein and lactose contents were significantly higher for HNZ and milk fat content was not significantly different. The somatic cell counts were similar for both types. Although the adaptation period on farm for HNZ had been short, they produced the same amount of ECM per kg metabolic weight and gained more body mass compared with HCH

Vergleich von Energieaufwand, Futteraufnahme und Aktivität bei zwei Holstein Kuhtypen auf der Weide unter Bedingungen des biologischen Landbaus

In order to find cows well-adapted to organic production systems, the present study compared the energy expenditure, grass intake, grazing behavior and physical activity of two different Holstein strains in an organic full-time grazing system without concentrate supplementation. Twelve pairs of Swiss (HCH; 613 ± 34 kg BW) and New Zealand Holstein-Friesian (HNZ; 570 ± 54 kg BW) cows in mid lactation were investigated during a 7 d data collection period. The energy expenditure was analyzed using the 13C bicarbonate dilution technique in combination with an automatic blood sampling system during 6h per day. Although HCH and HNZ differed in bodyweight and seize, physical activity and energy expenditure only differed numerically between the two cow strains. As the grass intake and grazing behavior did not differ between strains, HCH could not use their full genetic potential for milk production. This short-time study indicates that cow strains adapt their behavior, bodyweight and production level to the environment of forage-based production systems. Consequently differences in energy expenditure become harder to detect

Ovarian activity in Fleckvieh, Brown Swiss and two strains of Holstein-Friesian cows in pasture-based, seasonal calving dairy systems

The objectives of the study were to compare the ovarian activity of Holstein-Friesian (CH HF), Fleckvieh (CH FV) and Brown Swiss (CH BS) dairy cows of Swiss origin with that of Holstein-Friesian (NZ HF) dairy cows of New Zealand origin, the latter being used as a reference for reproductive performance in pasture-based seasonal calving systems. Fifty, second-lactation NZ HF cows were each paired with a second-lactation Swiss cow (17, 15 and 18 CH HF, CH FV and CH BS respectively) in 13 pasture-based, seasonal-calving commercial dairy farms in Switzerland. Ovarian activity was monitored by progesterone profiling from calving to first breeding service. CH BS cows produced less energy-corrected milk (mean 22·8 kg/d) than the other breeds (26·0-26·5 kg/d) during the first 100 d of lactation. CH HF cows had the lowest body condition score (BCS) at calving and the greatest BCS loss from calving to 30 d post partum. Commencement of luteal activity (CLA) was later for NZ HF than for CH FV (51·5 v. 29·2 d; P <0·01), with CH HF and CH BS intermediate (43 d). On average, NZ HF and CH HF cows had one oestrous cycle before the onset of the seasonal breeding period; this was less (P<0·01) than either CH FV (1·7) or CH BS (1·6). There was a low prevalence of luteal persistency (3%) among the studied cows. First and second oestrous cycle inter-ovulatory intervals did not differ between breeds (20·5-22·6 d). The luteal phase length of CH BS during the second cycle was shorter (10·6 d) than that of the other breeds (13·8-16·0 d), but the inter-luteal interval was longer (9·8 d v. 7·0-8·0 d). The results suggest that the Swiss breeds investigated have a shorter interval from calving to CLA than NZ HF cow

Effects of different stocking rates with dairy cows on herbage quality and milk production in organic farming

In order to identify the optimum stocking rate for grazing dairy cows in organic farming, grazing experiments were conducted from 2004 to 2006. Cows of one herd were divided into two groups during vegetation periods. The paddocks of the rotational pasture were split in a way that the low stocking rate group (SRL) had 15% more pasture area than the high stocking rate group (SRH). Post grazing sward height for SRH, was decisive for the simultaneous change of the sub-paddocks. Annual stocking rates for SRH were 2.0, 2.3 and 2.3 cows per hectare (ha). In the offered herbage mass for SRL significant lower ash-, CP-, APDE- and APDN values as well as higher NDF values were detected. Sugar- and NEL values were unaffected. No significant differences were found for milk production per cow, but milk production per ha was significantly higher for SRH. Apart from two exceptions (lactose 2005 and urea 2006), no significant differences were identified for milk composition. The attribution of more pasture area without topping leads to a lower pasture quality. Increasing the stocking rate, within limits, slightly reduces the milk yield per cow, but clearly improves the utilization of grown herbage

Short-Term Impact of a Zero Concentrate Supplementation on Organic Dairy Production

This study investigates the short-term economic impact of a zero-concentrate supplementation in organic dairy production systems with Holstein cows. Based on experimental data and using prices recorded in 2018 in Switzerland, the study calculates the difference in profits between two annual herbage-based feed rations: one supplemented with 750 kg and the other containing 0 kg concentrates per cow and lactation. The cut in concentrates led to a considerable increase in the average culling rate (14.4 percentage points). If it is assumed that the culling rate cannot be lowered by means of breeding or management adjustments, a zero-concentrate supplementation leads to a 375 CHF drop in profit per cow and year, which is equivalent to a 14% decrease in the remuneration of labor input. If the culling rate could be decreased to the status quo, then not feeding concentrates leads to a smaller, non-significant decrease in profits of 141 CHF per cow and year. Overall, it is concluded that there is a short-term trade-off between profitability and a reduction in concentrates. A zero-concentrate supplementation would be economically feasible only if the culling rate can be kept under control, for instance, by using adapted cow breeds. However, high-quality roughage is a prerequisite and may be more difficult to produce in alpine regions with less favorable production conditions

Übersicht zur Bioforschung von Agroscope und FiBL 2012 bis 2013

Die vom Bundesamt für Landwirtschaft finanzierte Forschungstätigkeit für den biologischen Landbau wird in der Schweiz vom FiBL und von Agroscope wahrgenommen. Agroscope und FiBL führen gemeinsam ein Koordinationsgremium Bio-Forschung (KG Bio-Forschung), welches die Forschungs- und Umsetzungsaktivitäten der beiden beteiligten Institutionen Agroscope und FiBL im Bereich des biologischen Landbaus und der Bioverarbeitung wirkungsvoll unterstützen und vernetzen soll. Es fungiert als Plattform für den Informationsaustausch zwischen den beteiligten Agroscope Instituten und dem FiBL sowie zum BLW und zu den interessierten Kreisen aus Beratung, Praxis und Forschung. Für das Arbeitsprogramm 2012 bis 2013 wurden alle für den Biolandbau relevanten Projekte in den einzelnen Institutionen ermittelt und im Folgenden dargestellt

Ovarian activity in Fleckvieh, Brown Swiss and two strains of Holstein-Friesian cows in pasture-based, seasonal calving dairy systems

The objectives of the study were to compare the ovarian activity of Holstein-Friesian (CH HF), Fleckvieh (CH FV) and Brown Swiss (CH BS) dairy cows of Swiss origin with that of Holstein-Friesian (NZ HF) dairy cows of New Zealand origin, the latter being used as a reference for reproductive performance in pasture-based seasonal calving systems. Fifty, second-lactation NZ HF cows were each paired with a second-lactation Swiss cow (17, 15 and 18 CH HF, CH FV and CH BS respectively) in 13 pasture-based, seasonal-calving commercial dairy farms in Switzerland. Ovarian activity was monitored by progesterone profiling from calving to first breeding service. CH BS cows produced less energy-corrected milk (mean 22·8 kg/d) than the other breeds (26·0-26·5 kg/d) during the first 100 d of lactation. CH HF cows had the lowest body condition score (BCS) at calving and the greatest BCS loss from calving to 30 d post partum. Commencement of luteal activity (CLA) was later for NZ HF than for CH FV (51·5 v. 29·2 d; P <0·01), with CH HF and CH BS intermediate (43 d). On average, NZ HF and CH HF cows had one oestrous cycle before the onset of the seasonal breeding period; this was less (P<0·01) than either CH FV (1·7) or CH BS (1·6). There was a low prevalence of luteal persistency (3%) among the studied cows. First and second oestrous cycle inter-ovulatory intervals did not differ between breeds (20·5-22·6 d). The luteal phase length of CH BS during the second cycle was shorter (10·6 d) than that of the other breeds (13·8-16·0 d), but the inter-luteal interval was longer (9·8 d v. 7·0-8·0 d). The results suggest that the Swiss breeds investigated have a shorter interval from calving to CLA than NZ HF cows