The different supplementary feeding in the four test groups had a significant influence on milk, fat and protein performance. In the full pasture group, a milk production of 6,778 kg ECM was achieved. Supplementary feeding with concentrated feed and corn silage increased milk yield, while supplementing with hay led to a decrease in milk yield, although this was due to the poorer milk yield in the grazing phase. In contrast to feeding corn silage, supplementary feeding with concentrated feed did not result in an increase in milk production in the grazing phase.

On full pasture, the average urea content was around 55 mg/100 ml. Supplementing with hay resulted in a slight reduction in this value; the values ​​could be reduced more significantly by supplementing with corn silage or concentrated feed.

The different supplementary feeding only caused slight shifts in the fatty acid pattern of the milk. The full pasture and hay groups were characterized by a higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, CLAs and omega-3 fatty acids (ALA, EPA and DHA) and thus a more favorable fatty acid pattern.

The different stages of lactation had no significant influence on milk quantity or milk ingredients. While the actual annual milk production decreased starting from starting group 1, the milk ingredients increased to the same extent, so that the milk production according to ECM was the same in all starting groups with the exception of starting group 3. The later the cows calved, the higher the milk production was during the pasture phase. In the beginning group 1, a milk quantity of almost 5,000 kg was achieved in this phase! ECM is milked.

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