scholarly journals Agronomic performance of ten perennial ryegrass varieties on commercial grassland farms

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
C. Hearn ◽  
M. Egan ◽  
D.P. Berry ◽  
A. Geoghegan ◽  
M. O'Leary ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Current Work ◽  
Agronomic Performance ◽  
Performance Traits ◽  
Evolution Of Technology ◽  
Commercial Farms ◽  
The Mean ◽  
On Farm

Abstract Little information is available on the phenotypic performance of perennial ryegrass varieties when exposed to grazing conditions on commercial grassland farms. Grass varieties are classically evaluated in mechanically defoliated plot systems which, although designed to mimic grazing conditions, do not fully capture the range of stresses or interactions that a sward is subjected to under commercial settings or over any period longer than 4 years. The evolution of technology in the form of PastureBase Ireland has led to agronomic data of individual paddocks being made available for analysis over multiple years. Data used in the current study consisted of dry matter (DM) production and ground score data across a 7-year period from ten perennial ryegrass varieties grown as monocultures in 559 paddocks on 98 commercial farms. The results demonstrated how perennial ryegrass variety is associated with a range of agronomic performance traits on commercial farms; including total and seasonal DM production, grazing DM production and number of grazing events. Varieties with the highest total DM production also had the highest spring and mid-season DM production; autumn DM production was associated with the interaction between variety and year. The highest producing variety in the study, AberGain, produced 1342 kg DM/ha/year more than the mean of all other varieties. Variety differences manifested themselves as swards aged, with some varieties increasing in total DM production while others reduced in total DM production. The current work provides a basis for the consideration of on-farm variety assessment in the composition of future variety evaluation protocols.

scholarly journals Evaluating perennial ryegrass cultivars: improving testing

2012 ◽  
pp. 127-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.A. Kerr ◽  
D.F. Chapman ◽  
E.R. Thom ◽  
C. Matthew ◽  
A. Van der Linden ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Seed Industry ◽  
Trial Protocols ◽  
Commercial Farms ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Significant Region

The agronomic performance of a range of perennial ryegrass cultivar-endophyte combinations was compared in 16 trials conducted at sites throughout New Zealand. Each trial was run for 3 years according to seed industry evaluation protocols, measuring variables including: dry matter (DM) yield (total annual and seasonal DM yield), ryegrass ground cover at the end of 3 years, susceptibility to plant pulling, and rust incidence. The change in DM yield over the 3-year term of each trial was also analysed. There were significant differences among cultivars in total annual DM yield, and in seasonal DM yield for each of the five periods of the year among which yield was split (winter, early spring, late spring, summer, and autumn). Mean annual yield declined between Year 1 and Year 3 in all regions except Taranaki, by between 0.8 t DM/ha (Canterbury) and 5.3 t DM/ha (Waikato). There were significant region, year, region × year, and cultivar × year interactions in yield change. Significant differences in ground cover score for perennial ryegrass at the end of 3 years were recorded among cultivars. However, these differences did not mirror on-farm observations of ryegrass persistence in the Waikato during the drought of 2007/08, suggesting that the standard trial protocols currently used do not adequately test persistence. It is recommended that industry cultivar testing needs to more accurately assess perennial ryegrass persistence, using new protocols including running trials on commercial farms, for more than 3 years, and using mixed swards. Genetic differences in persistence could be generated more quickly by choosing sites known to challenge perennial ryegrass growth and survival. Keywords: perennial ryegrass, cultivar evaluation, DM yield, persistence testing, plant pulling, rust

The effect of cutting frequency and root segregation on the yield from perennial ryegrass-white clover associations

1967 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 391-397 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. F. Bland
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
The Third ◽  
Nitrogen Yield ◽  
Cutting Frequency ◽  
Nitrogen Yields ◽  
Below Ground ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Defoliation Frequency

1. Dry-matter and nitrogen yields were recorded from perennial ryegrass-white clover associations which were defoliated 2, 4 or 6 times a year during the period 1963 to 1965.2. The average yearly output of dry matter was approximately 4000, 7000 and 6000 lb/acre for 1963, 1964 and 1965 respectively. Nitrogen harvested amounted to 132, 184 and 179 lb N/acre.3. The mean annual dry-matter yields from 2, 4 and 6 defoliations were 5300, 6100 and 6000 lb/acre and the corresponding figures for nitrogen yields were 112, 166 and 217 lb N/acre.4. Both segregation of the species below ground and increasing the defoliation frequency were responsible for higher contributions towards drymatter and nitrogen yield from the clover component.5. A comparison of the nitrogen yields between the plots with species segregated rather than integrated below ground suggests that the effects of underground nitrogen transference from 30–31 lb N/acre could first be demonstrated in the spring of the third year.

scholarly journals Identifying potential heterosis in perennial ryegrass

2015 ◽  
Vol 77 ◽  
pp. 227-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.R. O'Connor ◽  
T.B. Lyons ◽  
M.Z.Z. Jahufer ◽  
M. Faville ◽  
B.A. Barrett
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Hybrid Vigour ◽  
Dry Matter Yield ◽  
Single Row ◽  
Full Sibling ◽  
Genetic Potential ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Made In

Plant breeders aim to develop cultivars of perennial ryegrass Lolium perenne L., (PRG) that better support New Zealand farmers through improved genetic potential for key traits such as seasonal dry matter yield. Hybrid vigour (heterosis) may be one way plant breeders can increase dry matter yields, and potentially lift the long term rate of genetic gain. We report evaluation of PRG full-sibling progeny for heterosis expressed under grazing. Parents were randomly sampled from sixteen cultivars, and for each cultivar combination within mid-season and late season classes, six pair crosses were made. In 2013, replicated single row trials of parent cultivar samples and progeny were sown at two sites near Palmerston North. For 2 years, prior to each grazing, growth score (GS) data were recorded to estimate dry matter yield of each plot. Progeny GS relative to parent average GS (mid-parent heterosis, MPH), and better parent GS (high-parent heterosis, HPH) were calculated on the basis of the mean GS over years and sites. Significant (P

scholarly journals Agronomic performance of AR37-infected ryegrass in northern New Zealand

2007 ◽  
pp. 201-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.E. Hume ◽  
D.L. Ryan ◽  
B.M. Cooper ◽  
A.J. Popay
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Lolium Perenne ◽  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Agronomic Performance ◽  
Neotyphodium Lolii ◽  
Plant Persistence ◽  
African Black

The agronomic merits of a perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) cultivar infected with a new endophyte (Neotyphodium lolii), AR37, were compared with the same cultivar infected with currently available endophytes (AR1, Standard) at two sites in northern New Zealand for at least 3 years. AR37-infected ryegrass was the highest yielding treatment at both sites (11 080 kg DM/ ha/yr) producing more dry matter than either AR1 or Standard-infected ryegrass which yielded similar amounts (8870 kg DM/ha/yr). Yield advantages of AR37-infected ryegrass were greater at Kerikeri (36%) than Hamilton (17%), with differences increasing over successive years at both sites. At Hamilton, tiller populations were lowest in AR37-infected ryegrass in Year 2, and lowest in AR1- infected ryegrass 3 and 5 years after sowing. At both sites AR37-infected ryegrass had the lowest infestation scores for root aphid. At Hamilton in Year 4, more damage by African black beetle larvae occurred to AR1-infected plants than to AR37 and Standard-infected plants. These pests are likely to have contributed to the differences in agronomic performance observed. These agronomic results suggest AR37-infected ryegrass cultivars will be a useful choice for farmers in northern New Zealand. Keywords: endophyte, Neotyphodium lolii, perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenne, dry matter yields, plant persistence, root aphid, Aploneura lentisci, African black beetle, Heteronychus arator

Estimating nutrient content of animal slurries using electrical conductivity

1995 ◽  
Vol 125 (2) ◽  
pp. 233-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. Stevens ◽  
C. J. O'bric ◽  
O. T. Carton
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Conductivity ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Molar Basis ◽  
Linear Relationships ◽  
P Content ◽  
Commercial Farms ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Dominant Cation ◽  
Total Concentrations

SUMMARYElectrical conductivity was evaluated for estimating the nutrient content of cattle and pig slurries. Slurry samples were collected in 1991 from the storage tanks of 48 cattle and 10 pig units on commercial farms in Ireland. Samples were analysed for NH4+ and total concentrations of Na, K, Ca, Mg and P. Electrical conductivity (EC) was measured on raw slurries (ECraw) and on slurries diluted by 10 with water (ECdilute). Relationships between EC and nutrient content were examined by correlation and linear regression analyses.In both slurry types, NH4+ was the dominant cation with K+ second in importance on a molar basis. Within each slurry type, the concentration of each of these cations was significantly correlated with EC. Using ECdilute gave more accurate predictions of concentrations than ECraw, but even ECraw was a better predictor than dry matter (DM) content. The linear relationships between NH4+ or K+ and ECdilute explained > 82% of the variance within each slurry type. The P content in slurries was related better to DM than to EC. Since EC measurement could be by cheap, robust meters, its potential for on-farm use deserves further investigation.

Validation of a model to predict live weight and estimate dry matter intakes of individual dairy cows on commercial farms

2003 ◽  
Vol 2003 ◽  
pp. 113-113
Author(s):  
H. C. F. Wicks ◽  
J. D. Leaver
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Agricultural Research ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Dairy Herd ◽  
Validation Process ◽  
Agricultural Research Institute ◽  
Commercial Farms ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Weight Prediction

A method to estimate total dry matter intake (DMI) of individual dairy cows on commercial farms was developed to aid nutritional research on commercial farms (Wicks, 2001). Recently a second validation of the model was carried out using cows from the Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland (ARINI) dairy herd. The results from the validation process at Wye and ARINI are shown and the mean square prediction error (MSPE) of the model for live weight prediction and DMI estimation were calculated.

Milk production from diets of silage and dried forage. 3. Effect of formalin-treated ryegrass silage of high digestibility given ad libitum with and without urea

1979 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. C. Tayler ◽  
K. Aston ◽  
S. R. Daley
Keyword(s):  
Young Adult ◽  
Formic Acid ◽  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
The Other ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Female Cattle ◽  
Blood Profiles

ABSTRACT1. Young adult and adult lactating British Friesian female cattle (heifers and cows) were individually fed ad libitum on perennial ryegrass silage (F) made with an additive of formic acid (3·41 of 85% acid/t fresh grass) or on a silage (FF) made from the same crop with an additive of 9·01/t of a mixture of equal volumes of formic acid and formalin (35% w/w solution of formaldehyde). Silage F was supplemented with a concentrate containing 50% dried grass and 50% barley at a low (L) or high (H) level of feeding; silage FF was supplemented with the same concentrate at the lower level only, either with urea at 2·0% of the silage DM (FFLU) or without urea (FFL).2. Silage F had a lower pH (P< 0·001) and contained more lactic, acetic and total fermentation acids (P><0·001). The DOMD in vivo of the diet was lower (by up to 3 units) for treatment FFL than for the other treatments (P<0·05 in weeks 17 and 18).3. Over weeks 4 to 18 of lactation the mean dry-matter intakes (DMI) of silage on treatments FL and FFL were similar, but silage DMI was 12 to 13% greater on treatment FFLU than on FL or FFL (P<0·05). Digestible OM intake was greater with FFLU than with FFL (P<0·01) and with FL (P<0·05).4. Milk yields did not differ significantly between treatments and metabolic blood profiles were normal.

Establishing phenotypic performance of grass varieties on Irish grassland farms

2017 ◽  
Vol 155 (10) ◽  
pp. 1633-1645 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. BYRNE ◽  
T. J. GILLILAND ◽  
N. McHUGH ◽  
L. DELABY ◽  
A. GEOGHEGAN ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Phenotypic Variance ◽  
Total Production ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Herbage Yield ◽  
Significant Performance ◽  
Commercial Farms

SUMMARYConventionally perennial ryegrass evaluations are conducted under simulated grazing studies to identify varieties with the best phenotypic performance. However, cut-plot environments differ greatly to those experienced on commercial farms as varieties are not exposed to the same stress levels in test environments. It could be argued that plot-based testing regimes provide little direction to plant breeders in the development of advanced varieties. Varietal phenotypic performance needs to be quantified in ‘commercial’ situations. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the phenotypic performance of a range of perennial ryegrass varieties under commercial farm conditions. Monocultures of 11 Irish Recommended List perennial ryegrass varieties were sown on 66 commercial farms throughout Ireland where performance was evaluated over a 3-year period from 2013 to 2015, inclusive. A linear mixed model was used to quantify variety effects on grassland phenotypic performance characteristics. No significant variety effect was estimated for total, seasonal or silage herbage production. Despite the lack of variety effects, pairwise comparisons found significant performance differences between individual varieties. Grazed herbage yield is of primary importance and was shown to be correlated strongly with total production (0.71); Grazed herbage yield differed significantly by variety, with a range of 1927 kg dry matter (DM)/ha between the highest and lowest performing varieties. Sward quality (dry matter digestibility [DMD]) and density were influenced by variety with a range of 44 g/kg DM for DMD and 0.7 ground score units between the highest and lowest performing varieties. Results of the current study show that on-farm evaluation is effective in identifying the most suitable varieties for intensive grazing regimes, and the phenotypic variance identified among varieties performance for many traits should allow for improved genetic gain in areas such as DM production, persistence and grazing efficiency.

scholarly journals Evaluation of semi-hybrid perennial ryegrass populations

2010 ◽  
pp. 11-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
B.A. Barrett ◽  
M.A. Turner ◽  
T.B. Lyons ◽  
M.P. Rolston ◽  
H.S. Easton
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Breeding Systems ◽  
Hybrid Breeding ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
Seasonal Patterns ◽  
Hybrid Vigour ◽  
Dry Matter Yield ◽  
Yield Data ◽  
The Mean

The yield potential of modern forage cultivars is a limit to production from pasture- based agriculture, and may influence profitability. Hybrid vigour has increased yield in a range of plant species, but is only partially captured in conventional forage breeding systems. The objective of this research was to assess the potential for harnessing hybrid vigour in a semi-hybrid breeding system for perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne). Paired crosses among eight parental sources, including four cultivars and four ecotypes, were used to create 28 semi-hybrid populations. Parents, semi-hybrids and check cultivars were trialled in pure grass plots under rotational grazing for 2 years in the Manawatu. Dry matter yield data were used to estimate cumulative and seasonal patterns of hybrid vigour expression for cultivar x cultivar semi-hybrid combinations. The mean level of high parent heterosis was less than 2%. However, one combination exhibited significant (p

The effects of constant and varying heights of cut on the yield of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)

1977 ◽  
Vol 89 (2) ◽  
pp. 425-435 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. H. Ollerenshaw ◽  
D. R. Hodgson
Keyword(s):  
Lolium Perenne ◽  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Growth Habit ◽  
Lolium Multiflorum ◽  
Italian Ryegrass ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Harvest Year ◽  
Prostrate Growth

SummaryThree constant and four variable heights of cutting were applied to swards of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) cv. Aberystwyth S. 22 and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) cv. Aberystwyth S. 23 for a period of 2 years. The treatments were initially given in the seeding year of the Italian ryegrass swards and first harvest year of the perennial ryegrass. The same swards were used throughout the duration of the two experiments. The three heights of cutting 3, 6 and 9 cm were defined by the mean lengths of tiller remaining after defoliation with a flail harvester.The yield of dry matter (D.M.) was relatively low from Italian ryegrass cut repeatedly to 3 cm because many plants died. Higher yields were obtained by cutting repeatedly to 6 or 9 cm but only when the grass at the end of the season was cut to 3 cm. Italian ryegrass produced more herbage by variable than constant heights of cutting, especially when a lax cut occurred in mid-summer.Perennial ryegrass gave higher yields of D.M. by constant low than high cutting, but there were no differences in yield when the constant high cut swards were closely defoliated at the end of each season. More herbage was produced by variable than constant heights of cutting in the second year, especially when several lax cuts occurred in the variable height of cut treatments.As perennial ryegrass had a very prostrate growth habit in swards which received several close cuts tillers were not defoliated too severely. In contrast, Italian ryegrass remained erect in growth habit even in swards which were closely defoliated and thus tillers were cut more severely than those of perennial ryegrass. The need to measure accurately the actual lengths of tillers after defoliation is emphasized in height of cutting treatments.

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