In this article, we will explore the advantages and grazing methods of winter greens, particularly the combination of oats and ryegrass. These forages offer numerous benefits for livestock production during the winter season. We will analyze the three main ideas: the advantages of winter greens, grazing methods and recommendations for their management. Aimed at companies and specialists in the livestock field, this article will provide practical information with the objective of exchange to optimize livestock production during the winter.
I. Advantages of winter greens (oats/ryegrass)
1.1 Greater forage availability:
Winter greens, such as oats and ryegrass, allow for increased forage availability during the cold season. These crops provide an additional source of food for livestock, reducing dependence on scarce resources in winter. For example, an average increase of 30% in forage production has been observed compared to other winter grazing systems. For its part, the combination of both species allows a greater supply and stability of forage growth rates from early autumn to late spring.
1.2 Improved nutritional quality:
Winter greens, particularly the combination of oats and ryegrass, have high nutritional quality. These forages are rich in protein, energy and minerals, which contribute to the healthy growth and development of livestock. Studies have shown that winter greens can reach crude protein levels greater than 20%, which favors the productive performance of livestock.
1.3 Increase in production efficiency:
By providing an additional, high-quality feed source, winter greens improve production efficiency in livestock farming. Cattle can maintain proper body condition and achieve better reproductive and growth performance. In experiments conducted in commercial fields, a substantial increase in the rate of weight gain of animals fed winter greens has been observed compared to those that depend solely on natural pastures.
II. Ways of grazing winter greens
2.1 Direct grazing:
A common way to take advantage of winter greens is direct grazing. In this modality, the cattle are released into the greening area and are allowed to consume the forage directly in the field. It is important to carry out adequate grazing management to avoid overgrazing and ensure efficient use of forage. In this way, considering the sowing and grazing management carried out in EG, a production of approximately 400 kilograms of meat is estimated depending on the environmental conditions during the cultivation cycle.
2.2 Rotational grazing:
Rotational grazing involves dividing the grazing area into smaller plots and rotating livestock between them. This allows better use of forage and prevents excessive depletion of a particular plot. Rotational grazing can help maintain even forage distribution and promote healthy plant growth. Studies have reported increases of up to 20% in forage production per hectare when implementing rotational grazing compared to direct grazing, which translates into greater meat production, resulting in more forage and better utilization, 480 to 600 kg depending on the results obtained.
2.3 Cutting and supply:
Another option is to cut winter greens and feed them to livestock in the form of preserved forage, such as hay or silage. This can be useful when forage needs to be stored for lean periods or when climatic conditions do not allow direct grazing. On average, a yield of 6.5 to 7.5 tons of dry matter per hectare can be obtained, depending on crop management, when harvesting winter greens for conservation.
III. Recommendations for managing winter greens
3.1 Proper planning:
It is important to carry out adequate planning for winter greening, considering the availability of land, the number of livestock and the production objective. Some things to keep in mind include:
Selecting suitable varieties: It is essential to choose varieties of oats and ryegrass that adapt well to the climatic and soil conditions of the region. Consulting with agricultural experts or agronomists can help make informed decisions about the species, within these the cultivars, and the mixtures to use.
Soil preparation: Before planting, it is important to prepare the soil properly. This involves eliminating weeds, correcting the pH if necessary and carrying out balanced fertilization (chemical or biological) in accordance with the nutritional requirements of the greens and the data obtained from the analyzes on each farm. Well-prepared soil will provide optimal conditions for plant growth and development.
Sowing and sowing density: Sowing of winter greens must be done at the right time, taking into account climatic conditions and water availability. This will be key for the days of first grazing. Planting density is also important as it affects forage production. It is recommended to follow the specific planting guidelines for each variety and adjust the density according to the characteristics of the soil and local climate, as well as the objective of the farm.
Grazing management: Proper grazing management is essential to maximize forage production. It is recommended to use rotational grazing systems to avoid overgrazing and allow plants to recover. Monitoring the state of greening and adjusting the stocking rate as necessary is key to efficient management, aiming for maximum economics.
Monitoring and adjustments: It is important to regularly monitor the growth of winter greens, as well as the body condition and behavior of livestock. Performing forage quality analysis can also help determine if the nutritional requirements of the livestock are being met and the need to incorporate supplements. If it is for reserve, carry out bromatology of the material after completing the fermentation process (silage) or drying in bales to balance the diet.