Measurement methods on pastures and their use in environmental life-cycle assessment

Measurements of the variable feed offer at pasture plots with a rising plate meter provide a data basis to improve grazing and pasture management. Calculating grazing intake by the use of regrowth values of biomass of temporally ungrazed pastures might be a practical and fast alternative to measurements with exclosure cages. On the explored pasture plots high differences in the dry matter intake of the cows were found. Optimizing pasture yields, e. g. by sward improvements and grazing management, offers chances to reduce environmental burdens of milk production. Every kg DM grass silage that is substituted by grazing intake reduces the global warming potential of milk production. Site specific potential was 1.5 % per kg ECM from calculations with a complete farm model. Further reductions by improving feeding management and food quality are anticipated.