If there is insufficient pasture the inter-grazing interval is reduced, resulting in pastures being grazed before the 2½ leaf stage. Pasture growth will be reduced and pasture cover will stay low until the summer.
Therefore average pasture cover (APC) at calving (and supplements available) determine how well cows are fed for the first two months after calving.
This page covers what you can do if APC is below target at the start of calving.
Create a plan
Think about whether you can grow more pasture?
- Apply nitrogen
- Minimise pugging
- Slow the rotation (feed supplement) to increase APC as quickly as possible.
Can you increase feed supply?
- Reduce wastage to make reserves last longer
- Buy in additional feed
Or reduce feed demand and slow the rotation?
- Lower stocking rate (if possible get later calvers or dry stock off the farm)
- Prioritise stock and check intakes, cow intake at calving is significantly less than peak intake.
Read more about these options in the DairyNZ FarmFact - Strategies to manage low pasture cover at calving.
Related publications
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Spring Survival Guide
Tips and tools for getting through spring including pasture and supplement management.
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Feeding cows in spring
Answers to the frequently asked questions about feeding dairy cows in spring.
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Perennial Ryegrass Grazing Guide
An in-paddock pocket guide to assessing post-grazing residuals, pre-grazing yields and leaf stage of perennial ryegrass.