Studies in grazing management. VII. The influence of strip grazing versus controlled free grazing on milk yield, milk composition, and pasture utilization

Abstract

1. Experiments were carried out in 1956 and 1957 in which milking cows were grazed at the same stocking rate, either on strip grazing or on free grazing. The cows followed balanced Latin Square designs.2. The pastures were liberally fertilized, either with NPK fertilizer (202 lb. N, 202 lb. P2O5, 252 lb. K2O per acre in 1956 and 80% of these quantities in 1957), or with PK fertilizers (269 lb. P2O5 and 269 lb. K2O in 1956 and 80% of these quantities in 1957), and a subsidiary comparison of the effect of nitrogenous fertilizers was made in 1956.3. At the end of the main experiment in 1956 a study of the effect of straw offered to the grazing cows was made. No supplement other than straw was offered.4. The results in both years showed no difference in milk yield per cow due to treatments, nor in 1956 was milk yield or milk composition affected by grazing treatment, fertilizer treatment or the provision of straw.5. In both years the live-weight gain per cow was less with free grazing. In 1956 the provision of straw increased the rate of live-weight gain. It is suggested that these differences are mainly due to gut fill.