Intensive Grazing of High Producing Holstein Cows: Milk Production, Forage Utilization and Profit Potential at Three Stocking Rates

A farmlet study was conducted to investigate lhe potential for improving dairy productivity and profit potential through increasing stocking rates above those commonly used in 1he north-eastern USA. High-producing Holstein cows were grazed at seasonal stocking rotes (SR) of 3.9 (HSR), 3.2 (MSR) and 2.5 (LSR) cows/ha. Measurements were taken of quantity and quality of pasture offered to cows, silage harvested and fed and milk production during 175 days of grazing in 1990. Results showed a direct relationship between stocking rote and pasture quality and a negative relationship with the percentage of the pasture rejected by cows. Milk production (mean, 4434 kg cow) was not affected by treatments. Consequently milk production and profit potential per ha were directly related to SR.