@article {3672,
	title = {Whole-farm modelling using different grazing-management strategies with diverse pastures within an irrigated dairy-farm system},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {78},
	year = {2018},
	month = {07/2018},
	pages = {1-5},
	address = {Lincoln},
	abstract = {The objective of this study was to assess the effect of diverse pasture mixtures and grazing management on profitability of
Canterbury dairy farms using a commercial modelling tool, Farmax Dairy Pro. Two years of pasture growth and quality data were
obtained from irrigated plots sown with a pasture mixture consisting of perennial ryegrass, white clover, red clover, chicory and
plantain (diverse) or the same pasture mixture plus Italian ryegrass (diverse-Italian). Pastures were subjected to one of three grazing
management regimes: (1) conventional grazing (grazed to a compressed height of 3.5 cm all year); (2) spring lenient grazing; and
(3) autumn lenient grazing. The data were fitted to a base model farm (average of North Canterbury region) using Farmax Dairy
Pro to produce six different farm scenarios. Farm scenarios were ranked and compared by profit expressed as earnings before
tax. Pastures managed by autumn lenient grazing resulted in the lowest DM production, more supplement purchased, and hence,
lowest profit compared with conventional or spring lenient grazing management. The diverse pasture managed by spring lenient
grazing resulted in the greatest profit ($2,658/ha) compared with other scenarios (average $2,261/ha). This greater profit was
driven by greater annual DM production per hectare and, hence, less supplement purchased. When diverse pasture is considered,
spring lenient grazing is a potential management option for irrigated Canterbury dairy farm systems to increase DM production
and thereby profitability.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Cun, GS and Al-marashdeh O and Edwards GR}
}
