GRAZING DAIRY COWS WITH BREEDING EWES AS FOLLOWERS IN ALFAFA-ORCHARD SWARDS

Abstract

Animal production in mixed grazing systems is more efficient than in single-species systems. The objective of this study was to assess intake and composition of the diet of cows grazing in swards of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) with orchard (Dactylis glomerata). 12 New-Zealand Holstein lactating cows were used and 24 pregnant Pelibuey Ewes. Grazing was rotational intensive of leaders and followers. Under a randomized design with two replicates per paddock, two treatments were evaluated mixed grazing and single grazing dairy cows. The experimental units were lots of 3 cows and the respective grazed areas. In the case of mixed grazing two lots of 12 ewes were used. The variables measured were mass of offer forage, mass of residual forage, botany, morphological and chemical composition of the diet of cows. Estimated variables for both species were forage intake and grade of use. The intake of cows was not affected by the grazing system (P>0.05). However the NDF and ADF of the forage consumed by single grazing cows were higher (P = 0.012 and 0.020); on the other hand mixed grazing cows consumed 25% more alfalfa (P =0.004). Forage intake  of ewes was 32% higher in swards of 2 years (P<0.04). The cows grazing with breeding ewes as followers in swards of alfalfa-orchard was an alternative to grazing management; simultaneously improved the quality of the diet of the leaders cows and allowed feed dreeding ewes at very low cost.