AN ECONOMIC COMPARISON OF TIMOTHY, CORN AND WESTERWOLDS RYEGRASS AS CONSERVED FORAGES FOR DAIRY COWS

A forage-livestock computer model was used to compare the cost and returns associated with each of corn (Zea mays L.) silage, timothy (Phleum pratense L.) hay, and ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) silage as the principal forage in a dairy farm. The model used simulates the growth, harvest, and storage of the forage and the feeding, milking, and manure-handling for the dairy herd. The costs and returns associated with timothy, corn, and ryegrass on a dairy farm were estimated. Timothy hay was found to be more profitable than corn silage, and corn silage more profitable than wilted ryegrass silage on dairy farms of 40–120 cows fed conserved forage 365 days per year. The timothy, corn and ryegrass growth models and harvesting were based on Charlottetown growing conditions and weather.