During 2008, AgResearch, DairyNZ and Massey University with support of Pastoral 21 Feeds Program conducted extensive independent calibration of the C-Dax Pasture Meter on dairy pastures throughout New Zealand. Pastoral 21 is funded by NZ Governments Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FRST), DairyNZ, Fonterra and Meat &Wool NZ.
Standardised trials were run in Northland (Dargaville), Waikato (Ruakura), Taranaki (Hawera), Canterbury (Lincoln) and Southland (Wallacetown). The results of these trials are shown in the table below. C-Dax are pleased to provide you this information on behalf of the Pastoral 21 team.
Results to date indicate that 35-40 mm on the C-Dax Pasture Meter is equivalent to 7–8 clicks and is the desired post-grazing residual to ensure cows are offered high quality pasture in subsequent grazings.
Measuring post grazing residual height with the C-Dax Pasture Meter as the cows are being collected for milking provides instantaneous feedback on feeding levels and enables staff to make objective decisions on feed allocation for the next grazing period i.e. sending the herd back to that paddock to achieve the desired residual or moving them to a new paddock.
| REGION | MULTIPLIER (FACT) | CONSTANT (PLUS) |
| Northland | 22.6 | 744 |
| Waikato | 16.3 | 700 |
| Taranaki | 21.8 | 827 |
| Canterbury | 18.1 | 729 |
| Southland | 17.7 | 825 |
| Table 1. VALID FOR THE C-DAX PASTURE METER ONLY | ||
For ease of use the calibration equations have been restricted to a single constant and multiplier and are only valid for use with C-Dax Pasture Meter. These average calibration equations for each region provide a great starting point if you generally use one calibration equation throughout the year.
For further information contact: Dr Robyn Dynes, ph 03 321 8800 robyn.dynes@agresearch.co.nz
