As warmer months arrive and pastures begin to flourish, many dairy farmers turn to grazing as a cost-effective and natural way to feed their herds. While pasture feeding can offer nutritional benefits and improve animal welfare, success depends on careful planning, supplementation, and ongoing monitoring.
Benefits of Grazing
Pasture can be an excellent feed source, especially for growing heifers. Well-managed, high-quality forage supports healthy weight gain, supports rumen development, and contributes to long-term productivity. However, to meet the full nutritional needs of dairy cattle—particularly dry or lactating cows—pasture often needs to be supplemented with other feeds.
Feeding Dry Cows on Pasture
Early dry cows (more than four weeks before calving) typically do well on high-quality pasture, especially when forage availability is plentiful. But for cows in the close-up period (three weeks before calving), pasture alone may not provide enough energy—especially for higher-producing breeds. Insufficient energy intake during this period can lead to metabolic problems and poor transition into lactation.
Supporting Lactating Cows
Lactating cows have high energy and nutrient requirements. While pasture provides bulk, it may lack the density needed to maintain milk production and body condition. Supplementing pasture diets with grain promotes better dry matter intake and microbial protein synthesis in the rumen—both critical for sustained milk yield and herd health.
Key Practices for Effective Pasture Feeding
To make the most of pasture feeding, consider the following recommendations:
-
Develop a feed plan with a nutritionist: Work with a qualified advisor to build a balanced feeding program that accounts for pasture quality, cattle class, and performance goals.
-
Test forage regularly: Pasture quality changes throughout the season. Regular testing allows you to identify nutrient gaps and adjust supplementation accordingly.
-
Supplement strategically: Add grain, minerals, or alternative forages as needed based on growth stage, lactation status, and pasture conditions.
-
Monitor body condition: Keep an eye on cows’ body condition scores to ensure they’re maintaining appropriate weight and energy reserves.
Pasture feeding is more than just turning cows out to graze—it’s an opportunity to maximize natural resources while maintaining strong production and animal health. With a thoughtful, adaptive approach, pasture-based feeding can be a valuable part of your dairy nutrition program.
