Amazing Grazing: effect of cutting height and defoliation frequency on grass production and feeding value

G. Holshof, R.L.G. Zom, Nick J.M. van Eekeren. 2018. Amazing Grazing: effect of cutting height and defoliation frequency on grass production and feeding value. EGF 2018: Sustainable meat and milk production from grasslands. Grassland Science in Europe. , Cork, Ireland. 17-21 June 2018. 23
Pagina's / pages: 3
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Taal/language: Engels
Abstract / summary in English:

In the Netherlands, different grazing systems are practised with the extremes of continuous grazing and strip grazing. To get more insight into the effect of these different stocking systems on grass production and feeding value under different post grazing residuals, a mowing experiment was conducted. In total, six treatments were compared; three defoliation frequencies (cut every two, three and four weeks) and two different stubble heights (3 and 5 cm). The total grass production of the system with a low stubble height and a high defoliation frequency was four to five tonnes dry matter (DM) ha-1 lower than the other systems as a result of a higher mowing frequency. The feeding value of the grass, measured as protein content and digestible organic matter (OM) percentage was significantly higher at a higher defoliation frequency but the difference could not compensate for the loss of DM production.

Keywords in English: Amazing Grazing, defoliation frequency, stubble height, grass production, digestible OM, perennial ryegrass