Nutrient and energy conversion of grass-fed dairy
and suckler beef cattle kept indoors
and on high altitude pasture

Estermann, Beda L.; Wettstein, H.-R.; Sutter, F.; Kreuzer, Michael

doi:10.1051/animres:2001109

Cited by 36 publications

(39 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…The consumed herbage showed relatively high CP and rather low NDF and ADF contents, corresponding to usual values on alpine pastures (Estermann et al, 2001). As expected for a rather extensive breed, this suggests that the Hérens cows were able to cover their protein and energy requirements, even though the nutritive value of the herbage on offer decreased over the season.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 57%

Foraging behaviour and occupation pattern of beef cows on a heterogeneous pasture in the Swiss Alps

Meisser¹,

Deléglise²,

Freléchoux³

et al. 2014

Czech J. Anim. Sci.

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ABSTRACT:In the Alps, many summer pastures are under-used due to the decreasing number of livestock. Optimizing the grazing management of heterogeneous pastures implies a better understanding of foraging habits of cattle. The aim of this study was to precise the relationships between cattle behaviour and the characteristics of the vegetation. The experiment was carried out on a pasture encroached by shrubs (mainly Alnus viridis) and composed of four contrasted vegetation units at 1800 m a.s.l. Four beef cows were monitored in a paddock of 2.9 ha by Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) during three rotations, in order to analyze the spatial and temporal occupation pattern. The open grasslands and, to a lesser extent, the tall herb community were significantly more visited than expected if cattle had foraged at random. The shrubby areas were far less visited than expected at random. The monitoring also revealed differences across rotations. Vegetation surveys were also performed to determine the specific contribution and the grazing frequency of the encountered plant species. The most eaten herbaceous plants were not necessarily those known to be the most palatable, even if graminoids were more selected than other plants. Leontodon hispidus, Agrostis capillaris, Festuca rubra, and Luzula sylvatica were the most selected species, whereas Veratrum album and Trollius europaeus were completely avoided. The consumed forage was of better quality than the forage collected at random and its nutrient content showed less variability and remained more constant over the three rotations. The results highlight that the selection processes exerted by cattle are important. They occur at different levels (species, vegetation type, in time) and confirm that an integrative approach is necessary for improving the understanding of cattle foraging behaviour in heterogeneous mountain pastures.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 57%

Foraging behaviour and occupation pattern of beef cows on a heterogeneous pasture in the Swiss Alps

Meisser¹,

Deléglise²,

Freléchoux³

et al. 2014

Czech J. Anim. Sci.

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“…The results reported by other authors recommend the use of various pairs of alkanes for the estimation of DM intake by cows. For instance, Smit et al [1] as well as Vulich et al [9] obtained results of high precision using alkanes C 33 /C 32 , while Estermann et al [7] alkanes C 31 /C 32 . Reeves et al [2] recommend that the estimation of DM intake from a pasture dominated by Pennisetum clandestinum should be based on a ratio of alkanes C 33 /C 32 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…of estimating the intake of herbage by cows from pasture proved to be more useful than other methods [1]; using this method, Reeves et al [2] and Estermann et al [7] obtained precise estimations of the intake of dry matter from pastures. Malossini et al [8] considered the n-alkane method as simpler than the chromium oxide method.…”

Section: Digital Signaturementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Similarly, Smit et al [1] as well as Reeves et al [2] stated that the n-alkane method is the best for determining the pasture dry matter intake. Vulich et al [9] described its repeatability for the estimation of feed consumption by animals as high, while Estermann et al [7] reported that optimum results were obtained when the samples were collected in the morning hours.…”

Section: Digital Signaturementioning

confidence: 99%

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Estimation of pasture herbage intake by beef cattle based on n-alkanes as markers

2017

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The aim of the study was to evaluate herbage dry matter intake in 16 beef cows which grazed continuously on permanent pastures within the "The Warta Estuary" National Park (Poland), using the minimally invasive method based on n-alkanes as markers (C 29 , C 31 , C 33 ). Significant differences were observed in the nutritive value of herbage collected for analyses by cutting or nipping. The calculated content of energy and protein in the nipped herbage was higher: UFL by 58.1% and PDI by 50%, with a higher digestibility of nutrients. The values obtained for DM intake in pasture herbage by cows were closest to the standards when calculations were based on the C 29 /C 32 pair of n-alkanes. However, the best prediction of DM intake estimation from creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) pasture, in agreement with the accepted energy and protein standards, was based on the proportions between alkanes C 31 /C 32 .

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“…Heute hat «Agro-forestry» insbesondere in tropischen und mediterranen Gebieten eine grosse Bedeutung (ETIENNE 1996), aber sie erfreut sich auch in unseren Breiten wieder grösserer Beliebtheit (HU-BERT 1996;TROXLER 1998 (MAYES et al 1986). Diese neuartige Technik wurde in verschiedenen Studien an komplex zusammengesetzten, extensiv und intensiv genutzten, subalpinen und alpinen Weiden verifiziert (CHRISTEN et al 1996;BERRY et al 2000;BERRY et al 2002;ESTERMANN et al 2001 …”

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Hat die Waldweide eine Zukunft? Ein interdisziplinäres Projekt in den Alpen | Is there a future for forest grazing? An interdisciplinary project in the Alps

Mayer¹,

Stöckli²,

Konold³

et al. 2003

Schweizerische Zeitschrift Fur Forstwesen

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Fifteen percent of the mountain forests in Switzerland are grazed by domestic animals. The forest laws of some alpine cantons prescribe a new regulation of controversial grazing rights. To evaluate the cost and benefit of forest grazing the Swiss Federal Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF)at Davos started an interdisciplinary project in May 2000 on the behaviour of cattle and the dynamics of forests on subalpine wood pastures. A first step describes the management of subalpine wood pastures. In order to determine herbage supply and the selection of specific plant species, vegetation maps were drawn up before and after grazing. Using a double indicator technique,which involved the daily collection of faeces and herbage spot samples, herbage intake and digestibility were analysed. Intake of tree parts was quantified by measuring the shoot lengths of young spruces, larches and rowans immediately before and after grazing. Collars equipped with GPS were used to study the cattle's spatial use of (sub-)alpine pastures. Long term effects on forest structure and wood quality were investigated using dendroecological techniques. Based on the results of these studies, it will be possible to ascertain basic conditions for a sustainable management of Alpine silvopastoral systems. Concluding, an outlook will be given on the possible future of forest grazing in the Swiss Alps and in other regions of Europe.

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Nutrient and energy conversion of grass-fed dairy and suckler beef cattle kept indoors and on high altitude pasture

Cited by 36 publications

References 31 publications

Foraging behaviour and occupation pattern of beef cows on a heterogeneous pasture in the Swiss Alps

Foraging behaviour and occupation pattern of beef cows on a heterogeneous pasture in the Swiss Alps

Estimation of pasture herbage intake by beef cattle based on n-alkanes as markers

Hat die Waldweide eine Zukunft? Ein interdisziplinäres Projekt in den Alpen | Is there a future for forest grazing? An interdisciplinary project in the Alps

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