Intensive paddock grazing compared to short-grass grazing
Every grazing system has its specific advantages and challenges. Therefore, there is considerable interest in site-adapted grazing systems in practice, consulting, and education. Currently, short-grass grazing is increasingly being used on farms in Austria; however, a paddock system might deliver more stable yields, especially in dry years.
Comprehensive research project
A comparison of intensive rotational grazing versus short-grass grazing under organic conditions in mountainous regions has not yet been conducted. Therefore, this three-year project will compare conventional short-grass grazing (grass height approximately 6 cm) with an intensive rotational grazing system in terms of individual animal and area performance at the Moarhof organic teaching and research farm of the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein. In addition to milk yield and milk quality parameters, the effects on plant cover, forage quality, root development, animal behavior, yield, and economic viability will be comprehensively examined over three grazing seasons.
Image: Even the roots are important! In this research project, two significant grazing systems are being
at the Bio-Institute of the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein.
Team
Dr. Walter Starz
Organic Grassland and Arable Farming
DI Christian Fasching
former research assistant
Gregor Huber
Animal husbandry, animal welfare and herd management