E221 Spring Pasture Powerplay: Balancing Grazing Efficiency with Milk Component Goals

Spring Pasture Powerplay: Maximize Milk Components & Profitability with Smart Grazing Strategies

Key Takeaways

1. The Spring Transition Challenge
   • Milk component depression can cost $0.18–$0.32/cwt in lost premiums.
   • Young spring grass’s high sugars and low fiber disrupt rumen health, slashing butterfat by up to 50%.
2. Gradual Adaptation is Key
   • Transition cows over 2–3 weeks to avoid “stealth rumen burnout” (SARA).
   • Start with 2–3 hours of grazing/day and supplement dry hay for stable rumen pH.
3. Rotational Grazing = Profit Multiplier
   • Boost pasture utilization by 20% with 12–24-hour paddock rotations.
   • Foll ...