Shortened first regrowth interval of grass silage as a harvesting strategy to improve nutrient supply for dairy cows: a case study

Dairy cows have a highly valuable ability to convert grass into milk. A modification of the normal three-cut harvesting strategy was evaluated consisting of shortened first grass regrowth period to increase the energy value of the silage crop over the whole growing season under Boreal conditions. Grass was ensiled from timothy-meadow fescue-red clover swards over two years at three consecutive harvests within the growing season. Diets based on the silages (D1, 1st cut; D2, 2nd cut and D3, 3rd cut) were fed to dairy cows in two milk production experiments using change-over designs and an average concentrate proportion of 0.41 on dry matter basis. Consistently high energy value in silages was achieved and despite minor differences in silage D-values, feed intake was highest for D1. The differences in energy-corrected milk yield between treatments were limited to an increase for D2 in Exp 2 so that feed energy conversion into milk was decreased with D1. A shortened first regrowth interval for grass silage harvest was a viable option, but forage area per animal and other farm specific factors should be considered when choosing the silage harvesting strategy.

Automated summary

By shortening the first grass regrowth period, the energy value of the silage crop can be increased over the entire growing season under Boreal conditions, allowing dairy cows to convert grass into milk more efficiently.