Grass budgeting
A Grass Budget estimates the feed required over a given period and compares it with the feed available.
Dr David Patterson, Greenmount Campus, CAFREAim
- maximise animal production from grazed grass and boost farm profit
- maintain quantity and quality of grass throughout the grazing season
Feed Required
- must know target or expected grass DM intake
Animal |
Intake (KG DM/day) |
|---|---|
dairy cow |
17 |
350 kg steer |
10 |
lactating ewe |
2.8 |
Feed Available
- carry grass in a 'wedge'
- assess feed quantity available and give herd or flock a daily allowance
- manage future feed supply by looking 'down the wedge'
- as grass growth slows, reduce speed of rotation and decrease stocking rate grazing season