Effect of stocking management and nitrogen supplementation on pasture milk yield

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the first and last stocking strategies combined with a partial substitution of the protein from the supplement for urea nitrogen on nutrient intake and digestibility, milk composition, and nitrogen balance of primiparous Girolando cows. The cows were allocated to a double 4 × 4 Latin square composed of four animals and four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Supplements were formulated to provide an intake of 0.6% body weight, with and without the inclusion of 21% urea nitrogen in their composition. The first stocking management method improved nutrient intake and digestibility. Supplementation with urea led to a 47% higher excretion of urine N (g/day) than the urea treatment. The combination of the supplement without urea and the first stocking provided higher intake and retention of nitrogen and higher retained-N levels (%digested N). The combination of a supplement containing 21% urea nitrogen and the first stocking can be used without compromising the nutritional and productive parameters of the cows.