The use of sod sown vetch (Vicia sativa) as a supplement by dairy cows on the far north coast of New South Wales

Abstract

The value of the forage legume vetch (Vicia sativa L.) as a supplement to spring calving daily cows was determined over three years by comparing production of two matched herds, one of which received vetch during late winter and spring. The cows were graying year round on a summer growing, dominantly grass pasture. One group was wholly maintained on 24 acres of this pasture and the other on a similar 24 acres into part of which vetch was sod sown, with fertilizer, each autumn. Mean commercial butter production during the trial was 328 lb per cow per annum in the supplemented herd and 271 lb per COW in the control herd. During the period of vetch supplementation the difference in production between the herds was significant in two of three years, and in one year the significant increase was maintained through the whole lactation. The contribution of vetch in filing the periodic deficiencies of high quality feed, which can occur during the spring on the far north coast of N.S. W., is reviewed and the efficacy of the experimental technique discussed.