Some effects of herbage composition, as influenced by previous grazing management, on milk production by cows grazing on ryegrass/white clover pastures. 1. Milk production in early spring: effects of different regrowth intervals during the preceding winter period

Abstract

Abstract Two experiments (1a and 1b) were carried out to examine the effects of differences in pre‐grazing herbage mass and composition on milk production by cows grazing in early spring. Swards with high (5 · 1t DM ha −1 ) or low (2 · 9 t DM ha‐1) pre‐grazing masses in early spring were created by either long or short periods of regrowth during the preceding winter. The low‐mass swards contained lower concentrations of grass stem and senescent material, but higher concentrations of clover, than the high‐mass swards. Herbage from the low‐mass swards was also more digestible. Cows were offered common daily herbage allowances from both swards (26 and 22 kg DM cow −1 in Experiments la and lb respectively). The cows grazing on the low‐mass swards produced significantly greater yields of milk, milk fat and milk protein. The results show that herbage from the lowmass swards was of higher feeding value for lactating cows in early lactation. The practical implications for milk production per cow and per hectare are discussed.