Description
Farmers have implemented mob-grazing with their large herd. The number of cows in pasture fluctuates between 120 and 160 depending the time of the year. Before, cows have been moved every 3 to 7 days. Now, they are moved in a new paddock every day.
Reason for the innovation
Through grazing, farmers want to decrease feed cost. Dividing pasture into many paddocks allows a more even plane of nutrition compared to classic rotational grazing system.
With a large herd, cattle move easily when animals are drawn by a new pasture.
Farm description
Environment
- Soils: Sandy-loam and loamy soils
- Climate: Temperate oceanic climate
- Altitude: 200m
Grassland management
- Grazing: Yes
- Grazing management type: mob-grazing
Structure
- Annual Work Unit: 5
- Agricultural area : 330 ha UAA
- Herd: 165 Normande dairy cows —280 LU
- Forage area:
- 71 ha temporary grasslands
- 78 ha permanent grasslands
- 69 ha corn silage
- Stocking rate: 1,3 LU/ha main forage area
Animal performance
- Milk production per head: 6 900 L /year
Why it is working
A large area available to cattle grazing: cluster pastures around barn.
Soils well suited to livestock grazing system with a good bearing capacity. Soils allow a long grazing period.
Farmer’s state of mind: he wants to see cows grazing and prefers grazing management than driving tractor.
