Effects of co-grazing dairy heifers with goats on animal performance, dry matter yield, and pasture forage composition.

摘要: Mixed livestock grazing can offer an alternative management system for rearing dairy replacement heifers (Bos taurus). A 2-yr study was conducted during 2009 (yr 1) and 2010 2) to deter- mine the effects of co-grazing Holstein under rotational stocking with Boer × Kiko goats on animal performance, pasture DM yield, botanical composi- tion. Each year, 24 (134 ± 6 d age 147.4 31.2 kg BW in yr 1; 166 11 168.0 27.6 (2 old 39.7 16.2 1 33.7 7.4 were divided into paddocks 4 2 goats, where applicable, per group. Low endophyte- infected tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) white clover (Trifolium repens L.) pastures used evaluate strategies (heifers grazed alone (HO) or co-grazed (HG)). In addi- tion, assigned (GO) each year estimate goat forage intake compare Haemonchus contortus infection goats. Forage samples taken monthly assess yield composition. Samples collected composition manually sort- ed grass, legume, weed species. DMI estimated using a rising plate meter before after grazing. Heifer at conclusion did not differ between HO HG (P = 0.40 P 0.12, respectively). Likewise, overall ADG dif- fer HG, averaging 0.65 kg/d 0.63 over both seasons 0.70). Grazing strat- egy affect total however, consumed 2.3 more than < 0.01), resulting greater 0.01). Heights hip withers 0.05). Weed presence strate- gies as determined by manual harvesting, but visual estimation tion end showed that had 3.5 times Within confi nes this study, heifer gain, it decreased DMI, suggesting be without negative feed effi ciency.