Feed Allocation

Use this information to calculate pre-grazing cover, conversion from kg DM/ha to rising plate meter clicks, target grazing covers and dry and lactating cow covers.

How to calculate pre-grazing cover

(Stocking rate x Intake x Rotation) + Optimum residual = Pre-grazing Cover (___ cows/ha x ___ kgDM/cow x ___days) + _____kg DM/ha = _____ kgDM/ha e.g. (3.0 cows/ha x 17.5 kg DM/cow x 22 days) + 1500 kg DM/ha = 2650 kg DM/ha

(Stocking rate x Intake x Rotation) + Optimum residual = Pre-grazing Cover

(___ cows/ha x ___ kgDM/cow x ___days) + _____kg DM/ha = _____ kgDM/ha

e.g. (3.0 cows/ha x 17.5 kg DM/cow x 22 days) + 1500 kg DM/ha = 2650 kg DM/ha

How to convert from kg DM/ha to rising plate meter (RPM) clicks

(Grazing cover - adder) divided by the Multiplier = clicks e.g. winter formula adder = 500; multiplier = 140 Pre-grazing cover height in clicks = (2650-500)/140 = 15.4 clicks Post-grazing cover height in clicks = (1500-500)/140 = 7.0 clicks

(Grazing cover - adder) divided by the Multiplier = clicks

e.g. winter formula adder = 500; multiplier = 140

Pre-grazing cover height in clicks = (2650-500)/140 = 15.4 clicks

Post-grazing cover height in clicks = (1500-500)/140 = 7.0 clicks

Target grazing heights (covers or residuals) for ryegrass/clover pasture

Grazing covers are expressed as "clicks" on the Rising Plate Meter (RPM) or in kg DM/ha based on the winter formula (clicks x 140 + 500) and are for ryegrass dominant pastures.

Feed allocation for dry cows

	Residual	Hours grazed
Cows underfed	Less than 1050kg DM/ha Less than 3.5 clicks	<3 hours
Maintenance	1,100kg DM/ha 4.5 clicks	3 hours
Gaining weight 1/2 BCS/30 days All grass	1,300-1,400kg DM/ha 5.5-6.5 clicks	Cows haven't reached target residual at 4pm
Gaining weight 1/2 BCS/30 days Grass + maize silage or PKE or grain	1,200-1,300kg DM/ha 5.0-5.5 clicks

Feed allocation for lactating cows

	Pre-graze cover	Residual	Grazing time
Underfed	less than 2,400kg DM/ha	Less than 1,450kg DM/ha Less than 7 clicks	2-3 hours per 12 hour break
Well fed	2,600 - 3,200kg DM/ha	1,500-1,600kg DM/ha 7-8 clicks	4 hours plus per 12 hour break
Underfed	More than 3,400kg DM/ha (feed quality limiting energy intake)	1,500 - 1,600kg DM/ha 7-8 clicks