Intensive grazing and maize silage to enhance the sustainability of small-scale dairy systems in the highlands of Mexico

Abstract

The effects of two innovative feeding strategies-intensive grazing (GR) and maize silage (MS)-on the sustainability of small-scale dairy systems (SSDS) were assessed in the highlands of central Mexico. On a total of 24 farms, four innovations were adopted between 2011 and 2014. Five farms continued their conventional feeding strategy (CC) of cut-and-carry pasture supplemented with commercial concentrate and ground corn grain, as well as straws (maize, oat, and wheat) in the dry season of feed scarcity; six farms implemented MS in the dry season; six farms GR of pastures; and seven farms implemented both GR and MS. Assessment in 2015 showed that farms which implemented both GR and MS had a higher local diversity score (P ≤ 0.001), higher scores for ethics and human development, and a higher score in economic independence (P ≤ 0.05) than farms that implemented only one of the innovations. The overall sustainability score (with range 0-100) was 46 for CC, 47 for MS, 52 for GR, and 55 for GR + MS. The innovations reduced feeding costs and enhanced sustainability, particularly when GR + MS were both implemented.

Black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.) grazing or silage for small-scale dairy systems in the highlands of central Mexico. Part I. Crop and dairy cow performance

“…Treatments were the inclusion of 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 kg DM BOS cow -1 d -1 , T1, T2 and T3, respectively. A control treatment was not included, since as mentioned by Condo Plaza and Pazmiño Guadalupe (2015), there is well documented evidence of the need for complementary forage in the dry season due to low herbage growth (Prospero-Bernal et al, 2017). All cows received 4.6 kg DM d -1 commercial concentrate.…”

“…The sustainability of SSDS requires the optimal use of home-grown forages to reduce reliance on external inputs and increase their efficiency (Morales et al, 2014;Prospero-Bernal et al, 2017); since feeding is the main component of production costs representing between 55% and 70% of total costs (Mwendia et al, 2017).…”

“…Grazing in the rainy season reduces feeding costs and increases profitability of farms (Prospero-Bernal et al, 2017). However, farmers face shortages during the dry season, when forage silages are quality options (Valderrama and Anrique, 2011;Restelatto et al, 2013;Mwendia et al, 2017), and as complement to grazing (Ruiz-Albarran et al, 2016;Prospero-Bernal et al, 2017).…”

“…Small-grain cereals have rapid growth and require less water than maize, the main crop in central Mexico and in SSDS (Prospero-Bernal et al, 2017). Common oat (Avena sativa L.) is an important forage in temperate areas of the world for animal production as grazing, hay, or silage (Romero, 2000;Mwendia et al, 2017).…”

Black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.) grazing or silage for small-scale dairy systems in the highlands of central Mexico. Part II. Fatty acid profile of feed and milk

“…Small-scale dairy systems contribute to rural development improving agricultural productivity, incomes for farming families, and contribute to economic growth (Posadas-Domínguez et al, 2014). The profitability and sustainability of these systems requires an optimal use of home-grown forages to reduce reliance on external inputs (Prospero-Bernal et al, 2017).…”