Simulation of forage harvest and conservation on dairy farms |
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| Authors: | P Savoie LD Parsch CA Rotz RC Brook JR Black |
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| Institution: | 1. Agriculture Canada, Agricultural Engineering Department, Université Laval, Québec, Canada G1K 7P4;2. Agricultural Economics, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA;7. USDA-ARS, Agricultural Engineering Department, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA;3. Agricultural Engineering Department, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA;71. Agricultural Economics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA |
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| Abstract: | A computer model was developed to simulate forage systems on dairy farms. The model simulated alfalfa growth, corn silage and corn grain yields, harvest, storage, feeding and ration formulation for a dairy herd. A 26-year series of historical weather data from East Lansing, Michigan, was used to compare management and technological alternatives on the basis of average net return and year-to-year variations. For example, a four-cut alfalfa system was found to be more profitable than a three-cut system 90% of the time. The comparison of a hay system with a silage system was very sensitive to forage intake assumptions; the break-even point shifted from 120 ha to 40 ha when silage intake was increased by 5%. The model can be used to assess the impact of new forage conservation methods under a wide range of climatic and management conditions. |
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