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.
