Dairy Sense: Utilizing Pasture – Strategy to Lower Feed Costs

April 2023

Production perspective:

There are 5 to 7 months out of the year when pasture can contribute to the feeding management strategy for all animal groups on Pennsylvania dairies. There are numerous benefits to the animal and producer who can incorporate pasture into the ration. There are also some challenges with grazing if not managed properly.

Utilizing pasture is one strategy to lower feed costs. Since 2020, dry cow and heifer feed costs have been trending upward based on stored forage and feed grain prices. Using the rations that determine the monthly feed costs for the non-lactating animals in this publication, pasture replaced a portion of the stored forage from May through September. A concentrate mix was fed to all animal groups during the grazing season. This simple change reduced the feed costs for the year by $0.10/animal. For the average sized dairy herd in Pennsylvania that would equate to between $3,500-$4,500 feed cost savings for the year. The assumptions were that pasture quantity was adequate to provide the needed forage dry matter intake and that the rations were formulated to account for pasture quality changes.

If grazing is not implemented properly, then the benefits of the feed cost savings may be nullified. This could happen if there are increased incidences of metabolic problems with the dry cows. If heifer growth and reproduction are compromised, this could increase the average age at first calving, which would increase feed costs and possibly decrease first lactation performance. Both pasture quality and quantity need to be monitored over the grazing season to ensure there is enough dry matter available. If ample moisture is not forthcoming during June through August, then more supplemental forage will be needed.

Table 1 shows the protein, fiber, and mineral content for grass type pastures. It is noteworthy to acknowledge the large standard deviation for protein and fiber. Protein ranges from 8 to 23 percent on a dry matter basis and fiber 46 to 72 percent. This is most likely reflecting the differences that occur from spring, summer, and fall. Not accounting for these changes can negatively affect the health and growth of the non-lactating animals in the herd.

Pasture is a great way to get animals off concrete and improve hoof health. It is not uncommon to observe foot rot on grazing animals. Routine monitoring can catch problems and injuries before they become too severe.

Incorporating grazing into a feeding management strategy provides many benefits, including financially. Every farm is different so strategies and protocols will be customized that best meet the needs of the animals and producer. Success relies on managing the animals and feed similar to when they are confined.

Table 1. Composition of grass and mix mainly grass pastures.

Economic perspective:

Monitoring must include an economic component to determine if a management strategy is working or not. For the lactating cows, income over feed cost is a good way to check that feed costs are in line for the level of milk production. Starting with July 2014's milk price, income over feed cost was calculated using average intake and production for the last six years from the Penn State dairy herd. The ration contained 63% forage consisting of corn silage, haylage, and hay. The concentrate portion included corn grain, candy meal, sugar, canola meal, roasted soybeans, Optigen, and a mineral vitamin mix. All market prices were used.

Also included are the feed costs for dry cows, springing heifers, pregnant heifers, and growing heifers. The rations reflect what has been fed to these animal groups at the Penn State dairy herd. All market prices were used.

Feed cost/non-lactating animal/day.