Abstract

Dairy production systems in Colombia exhibit low efficiency and profitability, partly due to inadequate pasture management and year-round forage availability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with RGN cameras as a tool for managing the availability of mixed pastures in a specialized dairy herd. The study was conducted at Finca La Primavera, located in Nemocon (Cundinamarca, Colombia). Three paddocks with mixed pastures (Lolium spp. and Cenchrus clandestinus) were selected, and dry matter production, nutrient value, and NDVI (Non-Digital Grazing Index) were determined at 8, 16, 24-, 32-, 40-, and 48-days post-grazing. Additionally, the relationship between NDVI, voluntary intake, and productive potential was determined. Analysis of variance and Tukey's test were used for variables according to the days post-grazing, as well as Pearson's correlation analysis to establish the correlation between the evaluated variables and NDVI. Nutritional value by recovery days showed differences in crude protein (p=0.0013), acid detergent fiber (p=0.0070), and digestibility (p=0.0243). NDVI explained 85% of biomass production (g DM m(2-1)). A significant positive correlation was found between NDVI and compressed height (R-2=0.61), but correlations were low for the remaining nutritional variables. NDVI explained 57% of apparent intake and 45% of the variability in milk production (kg cow(-1) day(-1)). The use of unmanned aerial vehicles with RGN cameras as a practical tool for pasture management and forage budgeting throughout the year can be consolidated as a tool for evaluating biomass production, but its potential for predicting the nutritional value of pastures is low given the degree of correlation found.