The relation of spring pasture management practices in mountainous regions to dairy performance

Abstract

A typology of different spring pasture management practices was used to classify 46 dif ferent farms located in the northen Alps. Variations of milk production, fat content and protein content were noted for each type of practice. At turn out to pasture there were great variations in milk production and composition depending on the type of practice used. (- 0.5 to + 2.9 g/kg protein content between the third after turnout - 1.6 to + 3.5 g/kg fat content ; + 1.6 to + 2.3 kg/d milk). These variations result more from winter feeding practices than from different spring pasture management practices. The management of grass growth influences the forage supply in summer. Regulation of feeding of dairy cows at pasture was closely dependant on feeding regulation during winter.