Comparative Value of Afalfa Pasture, Bromegrass Pasture, or Alfalfa Hay for Lactating Dairy Cows

Abstract Thirty Holstein cows were distributed among three groups assigned at random to one of these roughage treatments: alfalfa pasture, bromegrass pasture, or alfalfa hay. Grain rations (12% protein for alfalfa or 16% for bromegrass) were fed at the rate of 1kg per 3.5kg milk. To prevent bloat, cows pastured on alfalfa received 20g poloxalene daily. From 0–8 weeks cows grazing alfalfa pasture produced significantly more milk, fat, and solids-not-fat (SNF) than those grazing bromegrass. The bromegrass pasture group produced significantly more milk, fat, and solids-not-fat than those fed alfalfa hay. Daily forage dry matter intakes per cow in kilograms were: alfalfa pasture, 25.3; bromegrass, 11.5; alfalfa hay, 17.3. Cows on alfalfa hay gained weight; those on alfalfa pasture maintained their weight; those on bromegrass lost weight, perhaps from low dry matter intake. Considering cost of roughages equal, milk income over grain costs was significantly more from pastures than from hay.