Forage feeding value of continuous grazed sward on organic permanent grassland

Abstract

Continuous grazing provides low-cost forage with a high feeding value for milk and beef production and is a suitable pasture system in organic farming. To assess the forage feeding value of continuously grazed sward, a 3-field trial was carried out under harsh east Alpine conditions (680 m altitude, 7°C average temperature, 1000 mm annual precipitation). Forage contents of net energy (6.3-7.0 MJ NEL kg-1 DM) and crude protein (202-236 g kg-1 DM) varied on a high level during the vegetation period. Moreover, amounts of crude fibre (176-243 g kg-1 DM) and neutral detergent fibre (373-475 g kg-1 DM) were within the recommended range for ruminates. In conclusion, continuous grazing as a possible organic grassland use under harsh climate conditions can be recommended