Free-range cow feeding management method

Abstract

To provide a free-range cow feeding management method which does not depend on concentrated feed.SOLUTION: The free-range cow feeding management method is characterized by feeding the raw grass by the year-round pasture of parent and child, feeding the rough feed separately from the mother cow for a prescribed time in one day, starting the feeding within 30 days old, and performing the feeding for a prescribed period. It is preferable that the feeding time of the roughage separated from the mother cow in one day is 3 hours or more.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for grazing and raising management of cattle.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, the production of cattle has relied on imported grain feed, but the recent soaring of imported feed has been squeezing the management of livestock farmers (see Non-Patent Document 1). In addition, since the abandoned cultivated land is increasing and the manure of cattle becomes fertilizer for forage grass, grazing has attracted attention, and the number of livestock farmers adopting grazing has been increasing. However, the distribution of forage-fed cattle in Japan is still scarce. In particular, for Japanese black cattle such as so-called Sashi, it is generally said that it is difficult to fatten them into high-quality cattle with only forage grass. Therefore, it has been common to raise them together with concentrated feed containing grains.

[0003] In recent years, new methods for fattening Japanese black cattle have also been developed. For example, a method has been disclosed in which concentrated feed is given to calves to make them plump, and then forage grass is given to fatten them into high-quality Japanese black cattle even with forage-centered feed (see Non-Patent Document 1).

[0004] By the way, in the breeding of pigs and cattle, a breeding method called creep feeding is known. This creep feeding aims to provide solid feed to supplement nutrients that cannot be obtained only from milk. In addition, a technique of adding a flavor composition to creep feed during creep feeding is known for the purpose of accelerating the growth rate and increasing the weight (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Documents

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] KER Economic Information, November 26 - 27, 2019, pages [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0007] Even when the conventional "grazing cows" are promoted, in reality, concentrated feed or substitute milk has been given to supplement the nutritional value to obtain high-quality meat. Therefore, the problem of the present invention is to provide a method for grazing and raising cows that does not rely on concentrated feed. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0008] In the feeding and management of cows, usually, during the period from spring to autumn, the cows eat fresh grass sufficiently by grazing, and the idea was that the forage would be provided by grazing. Therefore, it was not considered meaningful to give additional hay during that period, and it was common to give concentrated feed in creep feeding. Under such circumstances, as a result of intensive studies on the feeding and management method to solve the above problems, the present inventors found that by grazing the cows throughout their lives and actively feeding the calves hay by separating them from the mother cows for a predetermined time each day from an early stage after birth, it is possible to improve the productivity of cows without giving concentrated feed, and thus completed the present invention.

[0009] That is, the present invention is as follows. [1] A method for grazing and raising cows, characterized in that fresh grass is fed by parent-offspring annual grazing, and feeding of roughage is carried out for a predetermined period starting within 30 days of birth, with the cows being separated from the calves for a predetermined time each day. [2] The method for grazing and raising cows according to [1] above, characterized in that the time for feeding roughage while separated from the mother cows each day is 3 hours or more. [3] The method for grazing and raising cows according to [1] or [2] above, characterized in that the time of separation from the mother cows is such that the roughage is fed until the cows are full. [4] The method according to [1] or [2], characterized in that after weaning, roughage is fed without separating from the cow, and grazing fattening is carried out. [5] The method for grazing and feeding management of cattle according to [1] or [2], characterized in that the roughage is hay.

Effects of the Invention

[0010] By the method for grazing and feeding management of cattle of the present invention, the breeding cost can be reduced, and it is possible to fatten high-grade cattle.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] The method for grazing and feeding management of cattle of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a method for grazing and feeding management of cattle that includes feeding fresh grass by parent-offspring year-round grazing and starting feeding roughage separated from the cow for a predetermined time within a day for a predetermined period within 30 days of age, and is hereinafter also referred to as "the method for grazing and feeding management of the cattle in this case".

[0013] [Species of Cattle] In the present invention, the cattle may be beef breeds or dairy breeds. Examples of beef breeds include Japanese black cattle (Kuroge Wagyu), Japanese brown cattle (Akage Wagyu), Japanese Shorthorn, Polled Wagyu, etc., dairy breeds such as Holstein, Jersey, etc., and crossbreeds of Japanese black cattle and Holstein, or Japanese black cattle and foreign cattle. However, it is preferably Japanese black cattle, and more preferably Kuroge Wagyu (Japanese black cattle).

[0014] [Separation from the Cow] As used herein, "separated from the cow" means separating the born cattle (calf) so that it cannot drink milk from the cow. Examples of methods for separating the calf from the cow include installing an enclosed room (calf room) with an entrance having a hole or gap through which only the calf can pass, putting the calf in this calf room to separate the calf from the cow, and putting the calf in a partition surrounded by a fence or the like with an entrance through which the calf enters and the cow cannot enter after the calf is put in to separate the calf from the cow. Further, the purpose of "separating from the cow" is to provide a time for the cow to store milk, to supply a large amount of hay to the calf, and to promote the development of the calf's stomach. To separate the calf from the cow, a method can be cited in which the calf is induced to the entrance of the calf room or the partition surrounded by a fence or the like, and the entrance is closed after the calf enters the entrance area surrounded by the calf room or the fence or the like. Further, when the separation time from the cow ends, the entrance may be opened to release the confinement from the calf room or the partition surrounded by a fence or the like. At this time, the cow may be induced near the entrance of the calf room or the partition surrounded by a fence or the like.

[0015] While separated from the mother cow, the calf cannot nurse and is fed roughage in an area enclosed by a calf room or fence. Additionally, water and mineral salts may be made freely available along with the roughage. Here, roughage means any one of hay, straw, silage, bamboo grass, or bamboo leaves, or a mixture thereof, and in the above roughage, the hay content may be 80% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, or 100%. When feeding roughage, it may include concentrated feed containing grains such as corn, wheat, bran, soybeans, etc., skim milk powder, or fish meal, or substitute milk along with the roughage, but in feeding, the roughage can be 80% or more of the total feeding amount, preferably 90% or more, more preferably 95% or more, and even more preferably 100%. In other words, components other than roughage such as concentrated feed and substitute milk can be less than 20% of the total feeding amount, preferably less than 10%, more preferably less than 5%, and even more preferably 0%. During the time separated from the mother cow, the feeding amount of roughage to the calf can start from several tens of grams and be fed to satiety, and can be increased with growth. Especially during the period from the start of separation from the mother cow to weaning, the feeding amount of roughage can be adjusted to satiety. Feeding in an area enclosed by a calf room or fence can be once a day, or more than once, preferably divided into two times, for example, divided into two feedings in the morning and at noon of the day. Note that the above hay included in the above roughage means feed obtained by cutting and drying pasture grass. By feeding roughage while separated from the mother cow, actively making the calf eat roughage can supplement the nutrients lacking in fresh grass alone and also increase the amount eaten. During the time of the day when the calf is not separated from the mother cow, in other words, while the calf is released from the area enclosed by a calf room or fence, the calf can freely graze on fresh grass and can nurse naturally through mother-calf year-round grazing.

[0016] Separation from the mother cow may be started within 30 days of age, and may also be within 20 days of age, within 15 days of age, within 10 days of age, within 5 days of age, or within 3 days of age.

[0017] Separation from the mother cow can be carried out at a certain time of the day and can be adjusted as appropriate according to the season. The lower limit can be set at 2 hours or more, 3 hours or more, 5 hours or more, 6.5 hours or more, 7 hours or more, and the upper limit can be set within 12 hours, within 9 hours. By increasing the time, it is easier to achieve satiety. Also, the separation time from the mother cow can be adjusted as appropriate according to the season, but it is preferably started in the morning. For example, it can be 6.5 hours from 9:30 to 16:00, 3.5 hours from 9:30 to 13:00, etc. In addition, the time can also be adjusted according to the growth stage of the cow, and the separation time from the mother cow can be gradually increased as it grows. For example, up to 6 weeks of age when the milk production of the mother cow is high, it can be separated from the mother cow for 3.5 hours starting from the morning, and after 6 weeks of age, it can be separated from the mother cow for about 6.5 hours starting from the morning to increase the intake of roughage.

[0018] [Weaning and after weaning] The calf can be weaned at 6 to 7 months of age, preferably at 6.5 months of age. At this time, only the mother cow is grazed, and the calf can be confined in a section surrounded by a calf house or fence for 3 days to 1 week. Also, it is preferable to move the mother cow to another grassland 3 days after confining the calf.

[0019] After weaning, it is not necessary to separate the calf from the mother cow during feeding. However, it is preferable to place roughage, preferably hay, in a simple cowshed or the like and induce the calf to the simple cowshed to feed the roughage. The feeding amount can be adjusted to achieve satiety. And until shipment, for example, it can be fattened by grazing only on pasture until 25 or 26 months of age. In the conventional breeding, the calf rarely ate roughage after weaning. However, by feeding roughage in a state of being separated from the mother cow before weaning as described above, a large amount of roughage can be fed even after weaning.

[0020] Before and after weaning, when ticks begin to attach to the cow's body, a drug such as amitraz can be applied once a month for prevention.

[0021] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more specifically by way of examples. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these illustrations.

[0022] [Examples] (Management of cows) 1. From introduction to parturition Japanese Black pregnant cows were started grazing on grassland until one month before the expected parturition date. As supplementary feed, approximately 7 kg of hay (No. 3 grass) was given at 9:00 every morning. At the time of parturition, they were moved to the calving shed one week before the expected parturition date and fed hay (No. 3 grass) ad libitum for feeding management.

[0023] 2. From parturition to weaning After parturition, considering the health status of the mother and calf, the mother and calf were taken out to the grassland at about 3 to 7 days old after parturition, and the calf started natural suckling and year-round grazing of the mother and calf. Every morning, considering the grass amount on the grassland, ~10 kg of hay (No. 3 grass) was fed to the cow. The feeding of the cow was carried out after confining the calf in the calf room. The cow was allowed to freely move between the feeding place for giving hay and the grassland. When releasing the confinement of the calf, the cow was induced near the calf room and the suckling state was observed.

[0024] When weaning the calf (at 6.5 months old), only the cow was grazed, and the calf was confined in the calf room for one week. The cow was moved to another grassland three days after the confinement of the calf.

[0025] (Management of calves) 1. From birth to 6 weeks old The calves were allowed to nurse naturally after birth, and parent-offspring annual grazing was initiated while considering their health status. Separation from the cows began at 10 days old. Until 6 weeks old when the milk production of the cows was high, the calves were confined to the calf room in a simple cowshed from morning to noon to separate them from the cows. Around 9 am every morning, the parent-offspring were induced to the feeding ground and the simple cowshed, and the calves were confined in the calf room from 9:30 am to 1 pm. The calves were fed dry hay (first-class hay), and water and mineral salts were available for free intake. The dry hay feeding started from several tens of grams, allowing the calves to play and nibble on the dry hay. The dry hay feeding amount for the calves was gradually increased to ensure satiety. At 1 pm, the calves were released from the calf room, and their nursing behavior was observed. After release, the calf room was left in a state where only the calves could freely enter and exit, and the remaining feed was left as it was. The next morning, the remaining feed was collected and weighed to determine the feeding amount for that day. Note that the dry hay used was the dried pasture grass from the grazing meadow.

[0026] From 2.6 weeks old to weaning (6.5 months old) From 6 weeks old after birth to weaning (6.5 months old), the calves were confined from morning to evening to increase their dry hay intake. Around 9 am every morning, the parent-offspring in the grassland, etc., were induced to the simple cowshed, and only the calves were confined in the calf room from 9:30 am to 4 pm. The dry hay was fed and supplemented twice a day. At 4 pm, the calves were released, and their nursing behavior was observed. After release, the same management method as from birth to 6 weeks old was adopted. The dry hay feeding amount was adjusted to ensure satiety. Regarding the nose rings and castration of the calves, these were completed by this time (until weaning).

[0027] 3. Weaning The calves were weaned at 6.5 months old. During weaning, since there was a risk of fear such as getting out of the pen, the calves were confined in the calf room for one week. The calves were fed dry hay (first-class hay) at 9 am and the dry hay was supplemented at 1 pm to make them full. Also, water and mineral salts were available for free intake. Three days after the calves were confined, the cows were moved to another grassland to complete the weaning. The confinement of the calves was set for one week, but the calves were released from confinement and grazing in the grassland was resumed based on the criteria that the calves became calm and the crying sounds, etc., decreased.

[0028] 4. After weaning After weaning, the calves were not basically confined to the calf house. Every morning at 9 o'clock, the calves were induced to the simple cowshed and fed hay. Also, at 13 o'clock, the amount of the morning feeding was measured and additional hay was added. The remaining feed was collected and measured the next morning. The feeding amount was adjusted to be full-fed and divided into morning and noon feedings. The induction of the calves to the simple cowshed and the feeding of hay were carried out throughout the year. Grazing and fattening were carried out only with pasture until 25 months of age.

[0029] [Comparative Example 1] Roll feeding In the above example, Japanese Black calves were fed hay separated from the cows for a predetermined time of the day, but without separation from the cows, only roll bale-shaped hay was fed together with grazing, and no concentrated feed containing grains was fed. Also, water and mineral salts were made available for free intake. The main difference from the above example was that, specifically, no separation from the cows was achieved by confining the calves to the calf house, the calves were always in a state where natural suckling was possible, and roll bales were always placed in the simple cowshed to feed hay.

[0030] [Results] Table 1 shows the comparison of the body weights of the cows in the example and the comparative example. Also, in Table 1, as existing castrated grazing and fattening cows, data on grazing and fattening cows of Japanese Black cattle raised in the country were also described with reference to the literature of Khounsaknalath et al. (Journal of Animal Science, volume 99, Issue 6, pages 1 - 9, 2021). This grazing and fattening cow was fed substitute milk during the lactation period until 3 months of age and formulated feed until 10 months of age. After 10 months of age, it was fattened by grazing and is known to be a Japanese Black cattle with excellent weight gain characteristics.

[0031] [Table 1]

[0032] As is clear from Table 1, the weight of the cattle fattened by the grazing feeding management method of the present case was approximately 580 kg for castrated cattle and approximately 440 kg for heifers at 26 months of age. On the other hand, when fattened by roll feeding, it was 335 kg and 296 kg. From these results, it was confirmed that even for heifers of the same 26 months of age, the weight increased by approximately 100 kg by feeding hay by the grazing feeding management method of the present case. Although not described in Table 1, the weight of the cattle fattened by the grazing feeding management method of the present case was approximately 494 kg for castrated cattle and approximately 399 kg for heifers at 22 months of age.

[0033] Also, it was confirmed that the castrated cattle fattened by the grazing feeding management method of the present case reached 579 kg even at 26 months of age, and the increase in weight was significant.

[0034] From the above results, it was confirmed that both castrated cattle and heifers gained weight without giving concentrated feed by fattening them by the grazing feeding management method of the present case. Therefore, it became clear that Japanese Black cattle, which are not suitable for grazing, can have their growth rate promoted and sufficient meat productivity obtained by feeding only domestic forage while utilizing grazing. In Japan, it is recommended to ship at 25 - 26 months of age by early young fattening technology (Koya Sasaki, Special Feature: Agricultural Treasures Proud of the Region, JATAFF Journal, Vol. 9, No. 1, 2021). However, by the grazing feeding management method of the present case, heifers can be fattened to a weight of 438 kg and castrated cattle to 579 kg at 26 months of age, and sufficient shipment is possible at the age recommended by the country. Also, it became clear that it is possible to fatten cattle at low cost by the grazing feeding management method of the present case because Japanese Black cattle, which are usually shipped at 30 months of age, can be shipped at 26 months of age and by using hay-based feeding.

[0035] Next, the carcass grades of the examples and comparative examples were compared (Table 2). The carcass grades were based on the fat marbling standard values of the cattle carcass trading standards established by the Japan Meat Grading Association.

[0036]

Table 2

[0037] Even when comparing the loin meat results, the examples where feeding was carried out in a separated manner from the cows showed higher values in all aspects of loin meat weight, yield, and grading. Generally, it is said that when fattening without grains, no marbling (a state where white fat is interspersed like a net: intramuscular fat) will occur. However, it has become clear that with the grazing feeding management method for these cattle, it is possible not only to increase weight but also to fatten high-quality cattle.

[0038] Next, the state of the loin meat of 1389 (female) in the examples is shown in FIG. 1. As is clear from FIG. 1, the loin meat of 1389 (female) had less subcutaneous fat and intermuscular fat. That is, there is a large amount of edible part and little fat to be discarded, and the grazing feeding management method for these cattle also becomes a method that can contribute to the SDGs. Also, although it is represented in grayscale in FIG. 1, the meat color was a vivid light red color and had good luster.

Claims

1. A method for grazing and feeding management of cattle, characterized by starting feeding green forage by parent-offspring anniversary grazing and feeding roughage separately from the cow for a predetermined time within one day starting from birth for a predetermined period within 30 days of age.

2. The method for grazing and feeding management of cattle according to Claim 1, characterized in that the time for feeding roughage separately from the cow within one day is 3 hours or more.

3. The method for grazing and feeding management of cattle according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the time of separation from the cow is for feeding the roughage until satiety.

4. The method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized by feeding roughage without separating from the cow after weaning and fattening by grazing on pasture.

5. The method for grazing and feeding management of cattle according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the roughage is hay.

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