Feeding strategy GMS. Reducing the maturity stage of grass herbage and grass silage results in a lower DM
yield/ha per year, but increases grass quality in terms of energy and protein content per kg DM. Total yield in MJ
net energy for lactation (NEL)/ha per year was assumed to remain unchanged. In the reference situation, grazing
was applied at 1700 kg DM/ha, and harvesting at 3500 kg DM/ha. After implementing the strategy, grazing was
applied at 1400 kg DM/ha, and harvesting at 3000 kg DM/ha. Table 2 shows feed characteristics of less mature
grass and grass silage (based on CVB, 2011). Costs per grass cut were assumed to be the same as in the reference
situation. Due to a lower DM yield per grass cut, the number of cuts per year increased.