Impacts of sward type and concentrate feed level on the performances of spring calving grazing dairy cows on a wetland soil type

DM of legumes, although significant variation in legume content was observed between seasons and paddocks. Both individual cow milk and fat plus protein (Milk solids; MS) total yields were significantly (P < 0.05) lower for PR (5,024 and 462 kg/cow; equivalent to -3.9 and -2.6%, respectively) compared with PRWC (5,218 and 474 kg/cow, respectively) and for MC (4,963 and 455 kg/cow; equivalent to -8.4 and -5.7%, respectively) compared with HC (5,379 and 481 kg/cow, respectively). No interaction between SS and CF for milk production parameters were observed. Neither CF or SS had a significant effect on reproductive performance. Mean subrate24, Preg1, Preg2, Preg42 and in-calf rate were 96, 42, 27, 64 and 88%, respectively for all farmlets. The results of this study highlight the possibility to reduce chemical fertilizer N and feed input requirements and maintain animal performance within pasture-based systems on wetland soils.