Possible adjustments of suckler herd management to extensive situations

Abstract

Suckler herd management, based on the maximal use of grazed or harvested grass, is already extensive in most situations. Appropriate change of calving date fits herd management to seasonal variations in food supply. When grass production is sufficient, spring calving increases the proportion of grazed grass in the annual feed and reduces the need for harvested forages. If good forages are available for only a short time, the lactation period can also be shortened, which splits up the requirements of the dam and the calf. On the other hand, when grass production is low and/or grassland of poor quality, cows can calve in early wintering and be dried off when turned out at pasture. Their reproductive performance is thus maintained at an acceptable level. Suckler herds can contribute to the control and the maintenance of vegetation, for example by lengthening the grazing season far beyond the period of active vegetation growth. An increase in stocking rate at certain key periods can be used to control undesirable species efficiently. The genotypes adapted to extensive management conditions are characterized by their good maternal abilities, their relatively high intake capacity on roughages and low quality grass, and their ability to mobilise then recover body reserves.