Use of other breeding lines for grazing on peat soil

Description

The farmer wants to breed a cow which is well adapted to the conditions of his farm. He has different cow types and tries to find out, which cope best with a pasture-based ration on peat soil.

Due to the high demands on grazing in bog areas, the farmer needs a robust cow that can withstand the weather, the damp soil and the conversion from pasture to stable.

Farm description

Environment

• Soil type 1: Peat
• Climate: Temperate oceanic climate
• Average altitude: -1

Grassland management

• Grazing: Yes
• Grazing management type: continuous stocking

Structure

• Agricultural Area : 240 ha
• Permanent grassland area: 230 ha
• Number of animals: 230 dairy cows
• Average stocking rates:
  • Agricultural area 1.45 LU/ha
  • Grassland area 1.45 LU/ha

Animal performance

• Breed type 1: HF
• Breed type 2: Rotvieh
• Breed type 3: Braunvieh

Why it is working

Cows adapted to rough conditions have a lower milk yield than Holstein Frisians. But they have less problem with the health and fertility and live longer than high yielding cow.