The implementation of efficient grazing technologies in high mountain cattle ranches in the department of Nariño (Colombia) increases the sustainability of these production systems and promotes the conservation of the landscape design. With the objective of evaluating the dry matter intake of F1 (Kiwi-cross x Holstein) and Holstein cattle biotypes, present in hillside areas of the Nariño mountain, a preliminary trial of individual consumption of ryegrass (Lolium perenne) was carried out in Pasto (Nariño-Colombia) with the gauging technique, and the results were compared with models reported in the literature. The data were analyzed as a completely randomized design, with repeated measures over time. Intake per gauging was higher (p<0.05) in Holstein cows, with respect to F1 cows (12.74 vs. 9.69 kg/dry-matter/day), but per unit live weight was similar (p>0.05). On the other hand,...

The implementation of efficient grazing technologies in high mountain cattle ranches in the department of Nariño (Colombia) increases the sustainability of these production systems and promotes the conservation of the landscape design. With the objective of evaluating the dry matter intake of F1 (Kiwi-cross x Holstein) and Holstein cattle biotypes, present in hillside areas of the Nariño mountain, a preliminary trial of individual consumption of ryegrass (Lolium perenne) was carried out in Pasto (Nariño-Colombia) with the gauging technique, and the results were compared with models reported in the literature. The data were analyzed as a completely randomized design, with repeated measures over time. Intake per gauging was higher (p<0.05) in Holstein cows, with respect to F1 cows (12.74 vs. 9.69 kg/dry-matter/day), but per unit live weight was similar (p>0.05). On the other hand,...

Forage management, strategic supplementation and the incorporation of monitoring tools for making timely decisions allow the development of livestock production systems. In this way, a feed budget is a tool that allows making a balance of the dry matter of the farm in a defined period of time, by comparing different units of measurement and making decisions regarding the management of forages and the purchase of feed resources as feeding strategies. In addition, elements such as the dry matter requirements of the groups of animals on the farm and the supply of dry forage throughout the year and its production cost must be considered. When comparing results from the exemplification of contrasting productive scenarios, it was found that, by having an unrestricted forage supply, feed costs increase by 208% due to the application of fertilization, the sowing of forage crops and the purchase ...