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Pasture rejuvenation for high milk production
Dutch milk production per cow continues to increase; over the past 20 years with no less than 4 liters per cow / day. To support this production, the cow needs feed with a high nutritional value. Ideally, as much roughage as possible, because that provides the highest yield.
The feed value yield of grassland decreases every year due to an increase in unwanted grasses, weeds and open spaces. This quickly costs 100 to 150 VEM/kg dry matter and 1,5 to more than 3 tons of dry matter yield. This also reduces the palatability and thus the absorption. You have to compensate for this lower feed value intake from roughage with concentrates to maintain milk production. Grassland rejuvenation is therefore not a cost item, but a logical investment!
Monitor grass quality
Keep an eye on your grass quality by regularly estimating the proportion of good grasses, for example in April and September. Good grassland has few open spaces and >80% good grasses / clover. If that proportion is lower, at about 50 to 80% and/or there are many open spaces, then overseeding is the appropriate method to increase your grass quality. Renewal is recommended if there is a lower proportion of good grasses, serious structural problems or a large presence of breeding grass.
Overseeding extends grassland life
More and more livestock farmers are applying overseeding as a structural maintenance service for their grassland. In this way, they maintain the feed value yield at a low cost and extend the life of the sod. Overseeding is not bound by regulations, preserves organic matter and soil life and introduces new grass genetics into the sod.
In the autumn, when the top layer is sufficiently moist and the nights are not too cold, the conditions for overseeding are optimal. Oversow with rapidly germinating tetraploid perennial ryegrass (LG HAVERA 3 Overseeding) and the new grass will settle nicely in the sod before winter.
Tips for an optimal result from overseeding:
- Sow in short grass, in a moist top layer with precipitation in the forecast;
- Sow only at a soil temperature of 10 °C or higher;
- Use fast germinating and aggressively establishing 100% tetraploid perennial ryegrass for overseeding: LG HAVERA 3 Overseeding;
- Use at least 15 kg grass seed/ha and ensure good contact with the soil.
