End of Project ReportsIn Experiment 1, three systems of milk production with
contrasting calving patterns, namely 100% autumn (A); 100%
spring (S) and 50% autumn: 50% spring (AS), were compared
over a two year period. The average milk yield was 6,532, 6,358
and 6,142 kg/cow for systems A, AS and S respectively. The
difference in yield was not statistically significant. Fat yield, fat
content and protein yield for system S was significantly lower than
those with the other two systems. The autumn-calving cows (A) had
reduced reproductive performance.
Experiment 2 compared grazed grass with grass silage as a
forage source for autumn-calving cows in early lactation; it
showed that the cows on grazed grass had significantly higher milk
protein yield and milk protein content. The cows on the grass silage
had significantly lower dry matter intake and a significantly higher
bodyweight loss post-calving.
The aim of this project was to develop low-cost systems of milk
production which lead to an improved milk supply pattern of quality
milk for the food industry. In particular, the objective was to
research the role which grazed grass can contribute to the feed
requirements of cows calving at different times during the year.European Union Structural Funds (EAGGF
