Dairy NZ

Pasture is the cheapest source of feed we have in New Zealand, therefore maximising pasture eaten/harvested on farm needs to be a priority. Supplement use needs to be monitored and quantified to ensure that substitution for pasture is not occurring.

• For more information on pasture and feed management click here.

Other factors to consider:

• Target residuals of 7-8 clicks (1480 – 1620kgDM/ha on winter formula) for lactating cows and pre- grazing covers should be directly related to stocking rate and current round length ((S.R x intake x round length) + residual (1500) = trigger level/target pre grazing cover)
• Stocking rate and comparative stocking rate are important values under AMS as they can be used to ensure that feed supply and demand is aligned.
• Calving date and spread can both have a significant impact on the overall system profitability.
  
  There are many factors which need to be taken into account when confirming the optimum calving date and spread for your farm. With AMS there is a tendency to want to maximise the capital (robots) on farm. However, this may not be the most profitable for your system and business.
  
  Factors which need to be taken into consideration include: imported feed, balance date (pasture supply = demand), stocking rate and calving spread.
• To calculate what your current calving spread is costing you refer to the InCalf Calving Pattern Tool