FEEDING MILKING HERD DURING SPRING

Te Ao Hou, August 1957, Page 52

FEEDING MILKING HERD DURING SPRING Autumn-saved pasture is almost equal to high-quality spring pasture as a milk-producing fodder. It should be rationed to the milking cows to make it last until the spring feed comes away and hardens up. An electric fence is essential for efficient utilisation, enabling grass to be grazed in small breaks. Unless sufficient reserves of this pasture are available for full feeding, the balance should be made up with silage. Enough hay should be retained to balance the lush spring growth. When the autumn-saved pasture is finished the herd should be rotated round the farm. Paddocks should be small enough to maintain a concentration of 20 to 30 cows per acre. If necessary, larger paddocks can be sub-divided with the electric fence. Aim at grazing pasture when it is 4in to 6in high, as it is then at its most nutritious stage. Do not keep cows in any paddock for more than 1 or 2 days If necessary, clean up after them with dry stock.