Farmfact 1-9b

Standing Cows Off - Impact on Pasture Intake and Milk Production

Cows require an adjustment period for a change in their routine, and should be gradually introduced to restricted grazing over 3-5 days before being limited to say two four hour grazing sessions
In early lactation cows need to be offered 2 x 4 hour grazing periods every 24 hours to achieve adequate pasture intakes
In times when feed availability is reduced (e.g. dry summer and late lactation) cows may eat their allocated pasture in one continuous 8 hr grazing period or 2 x 4 hour grazing periods every 24 hours
The impact on milk production is affected by the additional walking distance to and from the stand-off area when cows are restricted to two four hour grazing periods over 24 hours.
The energy cost of walking is increased by the 2 x 4 hour grazing system. Locating the stand-off facility near the dairy will help reduce the energy cost of walking, especially for rolling and hill farms.