“The key to surviving a wet spell during early lactation is to avoid pasture damage at all cost.”

The main issue with wet spells is the impact on the pasture and soil, through “pugging damage.” Damage to soil over wet periods can severely reduce pasture yield between 20 – 80% for four to eight months (depending on soil type, severity of the damage and assuming remedial action is taken) after the pugging event.

Restricted intakes will affect ‘cow condition’ and can also compromise mating performance e.g. empty cows and / or a longer calving spread.