PASTURE CONTROL

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 886, 1 February 1930, Page 33

PASTURE CONTROL

AN IDEAL SYSTEM Correct control of grazing is one of the most important features of the summer. If. the dairy cows be given the pick of the feed, and followed up with the dry stock, and where possible, with sheep, the most will be got from the pastures, states an exchange, Each paddock should be grazed bare in turn, and as far as possible the feed should not be allowed to get away too much. This system would not, of course, apply to the whole farm, except where large supplies of ensilage were available for autumn feeding if needed. Most farmers prefer to have a stand-by and for this, lucerne is ideal. The ideal system involves extra work, but where this work can be carried out, the result justifies it. For instance, pasture experts say that the maximum benefit may be derived from it if the cows are put in the best pasture for an hour and a-half in the morning, an hour and a-half in the afternoon, and a further hour rid a-half after milking. The rest of iSie time they should go to bare paddocks to rest and ruminate. If you can follow out this system you may be certain that you aro getting the full benefit of all the grass on the place: if you cannot carry it out completely, the nearer you approach it the better will be your results,

Too much of the dry, indigestible grass from around fences is apt to cause impaction in cattle. As a rule the effect is counteracted by the green grass if cattle are not turned out before the grass gets a good start. Impastion requires the attention of the veterinarian.