Producción de leche en pastoreo de praderas cultivadas: una alternativa para el Altiplano Central

Abstract

Results that show milk production from an intensive grazing on cultivated pastures as a competitive and sustainable option for livestock production in Mexico’s central high plateau are presented. The objective of the projects integrated in this paper is the evaluation of the potential and the restrictions of ryegrass (Lolium perenne and L. multiflorum) and white clover (Trifolium repens) cultivated pastures, and that of an intensive grazing in order to increase the productivity of the farming systems. Results of the effects of the intensive grazing on milk yields, according to the type of pasture, the grazing system and the response to concentrate supplementation are reviewed. Intensive grazing on cultivated pastures allows the efficient and competitive production of milk at moderate levels and it is economically feasible since it represents lower production costs in comparison to the production under housing. The daily inclusion of legumes in the pastures has a positive effect in an ecological sense since it reduces the use of nitrogen fertilisers. Associated pastures also show the following advantages: they have a greater herbage accumulation, a better nutritive quality, and higher milk yields. Daily production systems based upon an intensive grazing on cultivated pastures, although representing an ample range of advantages in comparison to intensive housing systems, are not the only solution to all the problems of production.