New Method for Testing Dry Matter
Dairy researchers have found a new way of estimating dry matter (DM) consumption in dairy herds called ‘feeding systems’ and claim it is more accurate than the current methods.
The ‘Pasture Consumption and Feed Conversion Efficiency Calculator’ has been developed to provide the Australian dairy industry with a robust, scientifically sound method of calculating onfarm annual pasture removal (t DM/ha) and estimated annual feed conversion efficiency of the milking herd (kg energy corrected milk/kg DM; grams fat plus protein/kg DM). The estimate of home grown feed consumption may be for the total pasture and forage production area on the farm, or for the milking area (area grazed by the lactating herd).
The primary purpose of estimating pasture or home grown feed consumption on the farm or milking area is to benchmark performance of the farm over time, and it is particularly important as cow genetics and/or the feeding systems on individual farms are continually changing. A secondary goal may be to benchmark performance against other farms.
As a result of this work, a simple computer program has been developed to help farmers estimate on-farm annual pasture removal and feed conversion efficiency of the milking herd. DPI Research Manager of Dairy Production Sciences Dr Bill Wales, said this could be used to benchmark farm performance over time.
“You need to measure pasture consumption accurately to make sensible decisions on purchasing expensive supplements,” Dr Wales said.
Farmers can access the new program at: www.new.dpi.vic.gov.au/agriculture/dairy/pasturesmanagement/calculator
