Area of farms versus fodder base and cattle population in specialized dairy farms

Abstract

Results presented in the paper refer to the influence of the increasing area of agricultural areas in specialized dairy farms on the share of green lands, sowing structure and cattle population. In total, 18 farms divided into three area groups were analyzed on average: I – 20.5 ha, II – 31.1 ha, III – 47.2 ha. Green lands covered 42.4%, 46.0% and 52.3% of agricultural area, respectively. Cereals mainly for concentrated fodder and in part for trade cover 72.9%, 44.0% and 62.5% of arable land area, respectively. The area of maize cultivated for silage increased quite systematically (20.3%, 42.3% and 37.5%). Changes of particular cultivation plant group areas are associated with the cattle population. The stock size increases along with the increase of arable land area (21.0, 38.7 and 58.3 animals, on average), which gives 0.94; 1.15 i 1.14 of LU per 1 ha of agricultural lands, and cow percentage in particular group herds is at similar level 62.6, 66.2 and 59.3%, respectively. Uniform fodder area per 1 large counting unit (LU) of cattle (0.61; 0.65 i 0.61) in groups did not significantly range. Studies upon the effects of fodder production intensification and their influence on natural environment are advisable.