Milk production and economic measures in confinement or pasture systems using seasonally calved Holstein and Jersey cows

摘要

This 4-yr study examined total lactation performance of dairy cows in two feeding systems: pasture-based and confinement. Spring and fall calving herds were used and each seasonal herd had 36 cows on pasture and 36 cows in confinement with 282 Holstein and 222 Jersey cows included over seven seasonal replicates. Pasture-fed cows received variable amounts of grain and baled haylage depending upon pasture availability. Confinement cows received a total mixed ration with corn silage as the primary forage. Data were collected on milk production, feed costs, and other costs. Pasturefed cows produced 11.1 less milk than confinement cows. Across treatments, Jerseys produced 23.3 less milk than Holsteins, but calving season and various interactions were not significant. Feed costs averaged