Factors affecting diet selection by sheep. V. Observed and predicted preference ranking for six cultivars of subterranean clover

1990 ◽  
Vol 41 (5) ◽  
pp. 957 ◽  
Author(s):  
WF Colebrook ◽  
JL Black ◽  
DB Purser ◽  
WJ Collins ◽  
RC Rossiter
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Diet Selection ◽  
Preference Ranking ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Freeze Dried ◽  
Two Stages ◽  
Good Agreement

Samples from six cultivars of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) were harvested at two stages of maturity (vegetative and senescent) and one cultivar (Dinninup) at two additional stages. The samples were freeze dried to 90% dry matter, cut to 25 mm length and offered in pairs to trained sheep to determine their preference rankings. Within each stage of maturity, each cultivar was compared with every other cultivar. The vegetative clovers showed only a small (non significant) range in mean per cent preference (57-41), but the senescent material showed a much larger range (87-20). Preference for a forage was determined as the intake of that forage expressed as a per cent of the total intake of both forages on offer. Preference ranking changed with maturity and did not appear to be related to either oestrogenicity or length of growing season of the clovers in the vegetative stage. However, with the senescent material, clovers with a long growing season tended to have higher preference rankings (except for Dinninup). The 'palatability' of each cultivar of senescent herbage was quantified by comparing it in separate tests with a standard hay cut to several lengths. The preference ranking of the six cultivars predicted from this comparison with the standard hay was in close agreement with the observed rankings from the two-way preference tests. The agreement between the predicted and the observed rankings indicated that the method of establishing preference for forages relative to a standard hay (cut to several lengths) could be used to predict preference ranking between forages without performing a direct comparison. Seventeen of eighteen individual comparisons showed good agreement between predicted and observed preference. Preference ranking within the cultivar Dinninup decreased with maturity, and its ranking relative to the other clovers decreased markedly in the senescent stage comparisons. 'Palatability' and preference ranking may have major implications in the establishment and persistence of pastures, as well as influencing diet selection and subsequent nutrient intake by grazing animals.

Seed production and persistence of Carnamah and other early strains of Trifolium subterraneum in the wheatbelt of Western Australia

1967 ◽  
Vol 7 (24) ◽  
pp. 25 ◽  
Author(s):  
GB Taylor ◽  
RC Rossiter
Keyword(s):  
Seed Production ◽  
Seed Yield ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Early Flowering ◽  
The Other ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Seed Yields

Seed production and persistence of the Carnamah, Northam A, Dwalganup, and Geraldton strains of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) were examined in undefoliated swards in the wheatbelt of Western Australia. The early flowering characteristic of Carnamah was not always associated with higher seed yields. Only when there was a well-defined, early finish to the growing season, or when flowering was very much earlier in Carnamah (viz., following an early 'break' to the season), did this strain clearly outyield both Northam A and Geraldton. The seed yield of Dwalganup was generally inferior to that of the other strains. Factors affecting regeneration are discussed. Under low rainfall conditions, poorer germination-regulation of Carnamah, compared with Geraldton and Northam A, would be expected to result in poorer persistence unless offset by higher seed yields in the Carnamah strain.

Responses of intensively grazed dairy pastures to applications of fertiliser nitrogen in south-western Australia

2007 ◽  
Vol 47 (8) ◽  
pp. 927 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. D. A. Bolland ◽  
I. F. Guthridge
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Maximum Yield ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Mineral Elements ◽  
Italian Ryegrass ◽  
Total N ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility

For the first time, we quantified pasture dry matter (DM) responses to applied fertiliser nitrogen (N) for intensively grazed, rain-fed, dairy pastures on sandy soils common in the Mediterranean-type climate of south-western Australia. The pastures are composed of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) and annual and Italian ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaud. and L. multiflorum Lam.). Six rates of N, as urea (46% N), were applied to 15 m by 15 m plots four times during 2002 and after each of the first 5–7 grazings in 2003 and 2004, throughout the typical April–October growing season. Total rates of N applied in the first year of the experiments were 0, 60, 120, 160, 200 and 320 kg N/ha, which were adjusted in subsequent years as detailed in the ‘Materials and methods’ section of this paper. The pastures in the experiments were rotationally grazed, by starting grazing when ryegrass plants had 2–3 leaves per tiller. The amount of pasture DM on each plot was measured before and after each grazing and was then used to estimate the amount of pasture DM consumed by the cows at each grazing for different times during the growing season. Linear increases (responses) of pasture DM to applied N occurred throughout the whole growing season when a total of up to 320 kg N/ha was applied in each year. No maximum yield plateaus were defined. Across all three experiments and years, on average in each year, a total of ~5 t/ha consumed DM was produced when no N was applied and ~7.5 t/ha was produced when a total of 200 kg N/ha was applied, giving ~2.5 t/ha increase in DM consumed and an N response efficiency of ~12.5 kg DM N/kg applied. As more fertiliser N was applied, the proportion of ryegrass in the pasture consistently increased, whereas clover content decreased. Concentrations of nitrate-N in the DM consistently increased as more N was applied, whereas concentrations of total N, and, therefore, concentration of crude protein in the DM, either increased or were unaffected by applied N. Application of N had no effect on concentrations of other mineral elements in DM and on dry matter digestibility and metabolisable energy of the DM. The results were generally consistent with findings of previous pasture N studies for perennial and annual temperate and subtropical pastures. We have shown that when pasture use for milk production has been maximised in the region, it is profitable to apply fertiliser N to grow extra DM consumed by dairy cows; conversely, it is a waste of money to apply N to undergrazed pastures to produce more unused DM.

The effect of sodium molybdate mixed in the lime seed pellet on nodulation, nitrogen content, and growth of subterranean clover

1969 ◽  
Vol 9 (39) ◽  
pp. 432 ◽  
Author(s):  
JW Gartrell
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Content ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Sodium Molybdate ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Combined Nitrogen ◽  
Matter Production ◽  
Clover Seed ◽  
Ground Limestone

Sodium molybdate at l 1/2 oz, 3 oz, and 6 oz mixed with 6 lb ground limestone and pelleted onto 12 lb of Trifolium subterraneum cv. Geraldton inoculated with peat culture markedly reduced clover nodulation, growth, and combined nitrogen production compared with nil sodium molybdate. Mixtures of sodium molybdate l 1/2 oz, 3 oz, and 6 oz with l80 lb superphosphate drilled at 180 lb an acre with 12 lb an acre clover seed inoculated and pelleted with 6 lb ground limestone had no effect on nodulation, increased dry matter production by 70 per cent, and increased nitrogen per acre in tops by 110 per cent compared with nil sodium molybdate. The differences persisted into the second growing season.

Effects of sowing method and competitor species and presence on Phalaris and Austrodanthonia establishment and persistence.

2000 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 813 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. M. Lodge
Keyword(s):  
White Clover ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Dry Matter Yield ◽  
Annual Ryegrass ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Continuous Grazing

Two experiments were conducted on plots sown in autumn 1992, at Tamworth in northern New South Wales. The first compared the establishment of 3 perennial grasses when sown as monocultures or with competitors in either broadcast-sown swards or alternate row-sown plots. Sowing rate and species of competitor were also examined as factors affecting perennial grass establishment. Perennial grasses were Austrodanthonia richardsonii (synonym Danthonia richardsonii) cv. Taranna, A. bipartita (synonym D. linkii) cv. Bunderra, and Phalaris aquatica cv. Sirosa. Competitors were Trifolium subterraneum var. brachycalycinum cv. Clare, T. repens cv. Haifa, and Lolium rigidum cv. Wimmera. In spring 1992, competitors were removed from 144 of the 288 plots to prevent them from seeding. A second experiment compared the longer-term (1993–96) dry matter yield and persistence of these perennial grasses under continuous grazing in plots were the competitor was present in year 1 (1992) or in all years (1992–96). In spring 1992, mean dry matter yield of perennial grass was higher (P<0.001) in row-sown plots then those sown by broadcasting. Mean dry matter yield of perennial grass was lowest at low sowing rate, but not significantly different at medium and high sowing rates (about 350 kg DM/ha). Compared with the monocultures, the presence of a competitor reduced mean perennial grass dry matter yields by 48, 69 and 85%, respectively for white clover, subterranean clover and annual ryegrass. Perennial grass plant numbers were highest (P<0.001) in the medium and high sowing rates of the monocultures and in white clover competitor plots and lowest (P<0.001) in all broadcast-sown plots, where annual ryegrass was the competitor. By spring 1996, white clover and annual ryegrass had declined to a low level in the pasture in all plots and the only major competitor was subterranean clover (1200 kg DM/ha, 40% plant frequency). Mean dry matter yields were highest (P<0.001) for Sirosa in 1993, but with dry conditions in 1994 and continuous grazing they were highest for Bunderra in all other years. The implications of these data for devising sowing strategies to maximise the establishment of perennial grasses and their long-term persistence in this environment are discussed.

Selection by grazing sheep of pasture plants at low herbage availability and responses of the plants to grazing

1986 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 527 ◽  
Author(s):  
DM Broom ◽  
GW Arnold
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Growth Form ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Ecological Implications ◽  
Wimmera Ryegrass ◽  
Erodium Botrys ◽  
Pasture Plants

Merino sheep grazing annual pasture at the beginning of the growing season when the amount of herbage on offer was small, preferred to graze Wimmera ryegrass Lolium rigidum or subterranean clover Trifolium subterraneum rather than capeweed Arctotheca calendula, and Erodium botrys was avoided completely. Behaviour observations showed that capeweed plants were usually avoided. When the plants were grasped they were sometimes pulled up by the roots and then dropped so that the number of capeweed plants in the pasture declined. Supplementation with oats reduced grass intake. Harvesting behaviour changed with pasture conditions: as grass height declined in the pasture, the rates of biting, stepping and head swinging increased. Pasture measurements showed that, whilst capeweed plants continued to increase in height during grazing, as did ungrazed controls, ryegrass and clover plants decreased or remained short. Herbage dry matter increased in all species, owing especially to basal growth. The proportion of shoots and petioles which were erect increased in ungrazed plants, but the proportion which were prostrate was much greater in grazed plants. Individual plants adapted their growth form in a way which counteracted the depredations of grazers. The ecological implications of these findings are important. Firstly, the sheep were not foraging optimally in terms of maximising rate of intake, since two abundant species were largely ignored even though food availability was low. Secondly, because of their selectivity the sheep were giving the capeweed and Erodium a competitive advantage which, in these pastures, will persist through the growing season.

The influence of seed size and depth of sowing on pre-emergence and early vegetative growth of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.)

1956 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 98 ◽  
Author(s):  
JN Black
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Seed Size ◽  
Vegetative Growth ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Relative Rate ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Total Leaf Area ◽  
Pot Culture

Changes in the pre-emergence distribution of dry matter in subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) variety Bacchus Marsh were followed at 21°C, using three sizes of seed and three depths of sowing, ½, 1¼, and 2 in. Decreasing seed size and increasing depth of sowing both reduce the weight of the cotyledons a t emergence. Seed of the three sizes were sown a t three depths in pot culture a t staggered intervals so that emergence was simultaneous. Dry weight in the early vegetative stage was proportional to seed size, and total leaf area and leaf numbers showed similar trends. Plants of each seed size grew at the same relative rate. No effect of depth of sowing could be detected, and this was shown to be due to the cotyledon area a t emergence being constant for any given seed size, regardless of varying depth of sowing and hence of cotyledon weight. It was concluded that seed size in a plant having epigeal germination and without endosperm is of importance: firstly, in limiting the maximum hypocotyl elongation and hence depth of sowing, and secondly, in determining cotyledon area. Cotyledon area in turn influences seedling growth, which is not affected by cotyledon weight. Once emergence has taken place, cotyledonary reserves are of no further significance in the growth of the plants.

Influence of maturity stage on in situ dry matter degradability of six maize varieties in fistulated sheep

2001 ◽  
Vol 2001 ◽  
pp. 89-89
Author(s):  
M. A. Akbar ◽  
P. Lebzien ◽  
G. Flachowsky
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Maturity Stage ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Maize Varieties ◽  
Feed Value ◽  
Two Stages

The fresh weight, dry matter (DM) contents and nutritional quality in maize vary considerably with variation in varieties, stages at which harvested, climatic conditions and agronomic factors. Recently, agronomists, nutritionists, and dairy producers have placed increased emphasis on factors affecting the nutritive value of maize. However, very little information is available on quantitative variability of the feed value of maize fodder as affected by such factors. This study was, therefore, carried out to assess the effect of harvesting of six different maize varieties at two stages (dates) of grain maturity on quality of both the stover and cobs.

Response of defoliated swards of subterranean clover and yellow serradella to superphosphate applications

1991 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 777
Author(s):  
MDA Bolland
Keyword(s):  
Field Experiment ◽  
Sandy Soil ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Maximum Yield ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Herbage Yield ◽  
Ornithopus Compressus ◽  
The Relationship

The effect of superphosphate applications (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 kg P/ha to the soil surface) on the dry matter (DM) herbage production of dense swards of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum cv. Junee) and yellow serradella (Ornithopus compressus cv. Tauro) was measured in a field experiment on deep, sandy soil in south-western Australia. The swards were defoliated with a reel mower at weekly intervals from 88 to 158 days after sowing, to a height of 2 cm for the first 9 cuts, 4 cm for the tenth cut and 5 cm for the eleventh cut. Yellow serradella was more productive than subterranean clover. Consequently, for the relationship between yield and the level of phosphorus (P) applied, yellow serradella supported larger maximum yields and required less P than subterranean clover, to produce the same DM herbage yield. Maximum yields of yellow serradella were 12-40% larger. To produce 70% of the maximum yield for yellow serradella at each harvest, yellow serradella required about 50% less P than subterranean clover. However, when yields were expressed as a percentage of the maximum yield measured for each species at each harvest, the relationship between yield and the level of P applied was similar for both species, and they had similar P requirements.

Pasture legume species differ in their capacity to acidify soil

1998 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 53 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Tang ◽  
L. Barton ◽  
C. Raphael
Keyword(s):  
Acid Production ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Growth Stages ◽  
Total Acid ◽  
Ash Alkalinity ◽  
Ornithopus Sativus ◽  
Excess Cations ◽  
Pasture Legume

The capacity of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L. cv. Clare), medic (Medicago murex Willd. cv. Zodiac), serradella (Ornithopus sativus Brot. line SP1/13), biserrula (Biserrula pelecinus L. line Mor99), and woolly clover (Trifolium tomentosum L.) to acidify soil under N2 fixation was compared in a pot experiment using a poorly buffered sandy soil. The amount of acid produced per kg shoot dry matter (specific acid production) varied betweefin species and with growth stages, ranging from 44 to 128 cmol/kg shoot. Subterranean clover and serradella acidied soil to a greater extent than woolly clover and medic, whereas biserrula acidified soil least. Irrespective of pasture species and growth stage, specific acid production correlated well with concentrations of excess cations and calcium in shoots. Furthermore, total excess cation, ash alkalinity, and calcium in shoots were all good indicators of total acid production across all of the species.

Flower initiation in pasture legumes. I. Factors affecting flower initiation in Trifolium subterraneum L.

1955 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y Aitken
Keyword(s):  
Low Temperature ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Cold Period ◽  
Effect Of Temperature ◽  
Flower Initiation ◽  
Temperature Level ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Pasture Legumes ◽  
Precise Knowledge

The value of the annual legume Trifolium subterraneum L. (subterranean clover) in Australian agriculture warrants more precise knowledge of factors affecting flowering and prolific seeding. The effect of temperature and photoperiod on flower initiation in early and later flowering varieties has been investigated in an effort to determine the geographical limits of the use of subterranean clover in Australia. At any time of sowing, the length of the growing season of a variety depends greatly on the variety's response to the temperature level and to the photoperiod of the first few weeks after germination. In all varieties of subterranean clover so far examined flower initiation is accelerated by a period of low temperature. In the later varieties, flower initiation is prevented by an insufficient period of low temperature. The length of the necessary cold period is shortened under longer photoperiod. Early varieties are early flowering because they do not require so long a cold period or so low a temperature as late varieties.

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