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A survey analysis of farmer practices and perceptions of zero-grazing on Irish dairy farms.
Holohan, C; Russell, T; Mulligan, F J; Pierce, K M; Lynch, M B.
  • Holohan C; School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Lyons Farm, Lyons Estate, Celbridge, Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland W23 ENY2. Electronic address: conor.holohan.1@ucdconnect.ie.
  • Russell T; School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Co. Dublin, Ireland.
  • Mulligan FJ; School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Veterinary Science Centre, Belfield, Dublin 4, Co. Dublin, Ireland.
  • Pierce KM; School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Lyons Farm, Lyons Estate, Celbridge, Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland W23 ENY2.
  • Lynch MB; School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Lyons Farm, Lyons Estate, Celbridge, Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland W23 ENY2.
J Dairy Sci ; 104(5): 5665-5674, 2021 May.
Article en En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33663826
ABSTRACT
Zero-grazing (ZG; the mechanical harvesting and feeding of fresh grass) is increasingly used in grass-based milk production systems alongside conventional grazing. It allows farmers to supply fresh grass from land parcels that are outside of the main grazing block during seasonal shortages and periods when climatic conditions limit animal grazing opportunities. The objective of this study was to establish an understanding of current ZG practices on Irish dairy farms, to capture farmer perceptions on the implementation of this management practice, and to identify farmer knowledge requirements on ZG. An online survey was distributed and completed by 130 dairy farmers who use or have used ZG. Zero-grazing was used alongside conventional grazing by 92% of respondents. These farms were particularly fragmented, with between 1 and 14 separate land blocks. Respondents felt ZG helped them overcome fragmentation, increase grass use, and extend grass feeding in spring and autumn. However, extra cost and time input associated with ZG were recognized as key challenges. The majority of respondents rated current technical information available on ZG in the Republic of Ireland as "poor" or "very poor," and knowledge deficits were identified in the areas of cost analysis, grass management and productivity, cow productivity, cow health and nutrition, and soil fertility.
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Texto completo: 1 Banco de datos: MEDLINE Asunto principal: Lactancia / Industria Lechera Límite: Animals / Female / Humans País como asunto: Europa Idioma: En Año: 2021 Tipo del documento: Article

Texto completo: 1 Banco de datos: MEDLINE Asunto principal: Lactancia / Industria Lechera Límite: Animals / Female / Humans País como asunto: Europa Idioma: En Año: 2021 Tipo del documento: Article