Mowing pasture
Mowing pasture is a special grazing method that can be used in a conventional or extensive manner, depending on the area and livestock on the farm. With this grazing method, the stocking size is adapted to the growth process by delimiting the area to be grazed; this is first mowed for the cultivation and production of winter fodder. With declining growth performance, the grazed area is increased after each cut until it is completely grazed. For this it is necessary that the farmer develops a relatively good location-specific forecast of the respective growth process.
Principle and conditions
In principle, no coupling division and no drive are required. The pasture uplift occurs very early when the growth height is more than 4 cm (before the sweet cherry blossom begins ). In the all-day pasture, hay or straw must be fed. A temporary exclusion of the mowing areas and a staggered harvest of forage are necessary (see diagram). Immediately after harvesting of the cut grass , the area can be freed for grazing. Through selective grazing of the animals, the animal performance is increased, but not the area yield . In dry weather, re-mowing can be carried out in sections and the animals can be offered pasture remains.
With conventional use (stocking rate 2 to 4 GV / ha), partial nitrogen fertilization over the whole area in smaller doses (1.0 to 1.5 kg N / ha / pasture day) at intervals of 30 days is required directly during use. In the case of extensive use ( stocking strength <1 GV / ha), no mineral nitrogen fertilization is required .
The mowing stand grazing method is suitable for all animal species, but primarily for suckler cows , dairy cows , young cattle and sheep. Coherent areas are also necessary. For dairy cows, this area should be as close as possible to the stall, for all other animal species it should also be far away from the stall. The inclusion of arable land through sowing favors the creation of consolidated areas. The areas for mowing should be changed annually if possible. For natural borders such as paths or streams, the paddock pasture is a suitable alternative.
Management scheme for four sub-areas (presentation of the situation in relation to the stable):
Stall ———————————————————————————————— Beweidung (April bis Oktober) Nachmahd zwingend ———————————————————————————————— sehr frühe Mahd (Weidereife) danach Beweidung Nachmahd ab August vorsehen ———————————————————————————————— 1. Mahd bei Siloreife im Mai Beweidung Nachmahd ab August ———————————————————————————————— 1. Mahd bei Siloreife (Mai) 2. Mahd bei Siloreife (Juli) Beweidung keine Nachmahd ————————————————————————————————
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of this grazing method are that the large-scale processing options and the associated low labor requirement make it very economical. There is a calm animal behavior in the herd and thus a high individual animal performance. Furthermore, there are lower costs for fences, watering systems and drift paths, since the areas are rounded off. Constant grazing also creates dense scars with a low stocking density.
A disadvantage to be assessed is that the pasture areas have to be merged, which is not always the case. In addition, there is a risk of food shortage on areas that are at risk of dehydration and higher demands are placed on animal and pasture hygiene.