Sward characteristics and animal performance in a leader/follower grazing system with cows and sheep

Extract

The recommended post grazing stubble height for dairy cows in a rotational grazing system in spring is 8 to 10 cm. However, this height leads to much stem elongation and reduction in sward quality in mid and late season. Consequently, pastures require topping in June/July to maintain grass quality and reduce sward deterioration, particularly in rejected areas around dung pats. O'Riordan (1989) suggested that a leader/follower rotational grazing system with ewes following dairy cows could improve pasture utilisation and eliminate the need for topping. This was confirmed by Swift et al. (1991) who also demonstrated that grazing at one ewe with twin lambs per cow improved the utilisation of grass and allowed for acceptable ewe and lamb performance without apparently decreasing cow grazing days or milk output.

The objective of this work was to examine the effects of leader/follower rotational grazing with dairy cows and lambed ewes on grass tillering in a cool, wet western environment.