Feeding Systems with Legumes to Intensify Dairy Farms - cgiar

Jorge Vela
IIAP, Peru
Use of Stylosanthes guianensis for Strategic
Supplementation of Pre-Weaned Calves in the
Peruvian Amazon
In the region of Pucallpa, in the Peruvian Amazon, milk price is very
high due to a captive market of fresh milk. Pre-weaned calves usually
consume between 15%-20% of milk production from dam (residual milk).
Therefore, developing a feeding alternative to partially substitute the milk
consumed by pre-weaned calves with a high quality legume could have a
great impact on the income of smallholders because they could sell more
milk and improve their cash flow.
Materials and Methods
The following treatments were evaluated: T1, access of calves to native
grass pastures during 8 hours/day, together with dam, and the remaining
16 hours in a pasture of Stylosanthes guianensis + residual milk; T2, access
of calves to native grass pastures 24 hours/day, without the presence of the
dam + residual milk + concentrates; and T3, control (access to native grass
pasture 24 hours/day + residual milk).
Results
Table 1 presents trial results. Average daily weight gain of calves
grazing stylo pastures were similar those obtained in the traditional pasture
management system, but milk sales increased by 23% (0.89 kg additional
milk/cow per day). This was reflected in a 25% increase in income. The
treatment with sylo + concentrate presented similar milk sales to those of
the treatment without concentrate, but higher daily weight gains. However,
the variable cost was also higher, resulting in similar total net incomes as
when only stylo was used.
Conclusions
This improved feeding alternative can have significant impact on the
quality of life of small farmers. Stylo can be used to replace concentrates
and thus increases cash flow and income, as well as milk productivity
without sacrificing a reduction in weight gain of pre-weaned calves.
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