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Conference poster2008Peer reviewed

Organic milk production based entirely on grassland feeds

Johansson, Birgitta; Holtenius, Kjell

Abstract

A great part of the dairy cows' feed rations consists of grains and protein feeds which could be used for human consumption. Production of these feeds is less environmentally friendly than grassland production. How can high-producing dairy cows (Swedish Holstein) manage on perennial forages only? For three years 10 cows were fed organic grass-clover forages only (silage, pasture and small parts of hay), and were compared with 10 cows which were fed a 95% organic diet containing grass-clover forages barley, peas and a commercial protein mixture. The concentrate proportion was, however, limited to 50% of the total mixed ration DM. Cows fed forages lost weight during the indoor periods and their plasma insulin levels decreased at the same time. However, cows fed forages only were healthy and fertile. They had an annual milk yield of around 6000 kg energy corrected milk (ECM) per cow compared to around 8700 kg ECM per cow when fed forages and concentrates. During the third year there were lower contents of protein and urea in milk from cows fed forages only. In conclusion, a high-producing dairy breed can manage well during extensive conditions

Keywords

organic; milk production; grass-clover forages

Published in

Grassland Science in Europe
2008, Volume: 13, pages: 825-827 Title: Biodiversity and Animal Feed : Future Challenges for Grassland Production
ISBN: 978-91-85911-47-9Publisher: Organising Committee of the 22nd General Meeting of the European Grassland Federation and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Conference

22nd General Meeting of the European Grassland Federation