THE EFFECT OF WINTER GRAZING BY SHEEP ON SPRING AND EARLY SUMMER PASTURE PRODUCTION

1970 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Frame
Author(s):  
C. Matthew ◽  
A.C.P. Chu ◽  
J. Hodgson ◽  
A.D. Mackay

Plugs of sheep-grazed, ryegrass-dominant pasture were transplanted to a glasshouse, in order to make detailed studies of tiller appearance from the base of flowering tillers in late spring-early summer. In 2 experiments, cutting treatments which reduced the opportunity for transport of assimilate from parent flowering tillers to daughter tillers markedly reduced both numbers of daughter tillers formed and their size. In one of the studies, proportion of radioactive carbon dioxide fed to flowering tillers, but recovered from daughter tillers, was 7.0%, and this transported radiocarbon appeared to be delivered preferentially to leaf elongation zones of young tillers. There appear to be fundamental differences in tillerbehaviour between 'Grasslands Ruanui' ryegrass and 'Ellett' ryegrass. The implications for farm practice are briefly discussed. Keywords ryegrass, tiller dynamics, radiocarbon, summer pasture production, pasture persistence


1952 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 148 ◽  
Author(s):  
RC Rossiter

The results of a grazing trial with Merino wether sheep on perennial veldt grass with subterranean clover are presented. During the four years 1944-45 to 1947-48 total pasture production under continuous grazing was almost identical with that under rotational grazing (one week's grazing followed by five weeks' rest). No consistent treatment differences were observed in sheep body-weight trends. In each year the weights increased during the growing season, remained stationary during early summer, and declined in late summer. The contribution of the perennial grass (Ehrharta calycina Sm.) declined rapidly with time, though more so under continuous grazing. This was associated with an increase in the proportion of subterranean clover in the sward. The lack of persistence of Ehrharta calycina is attributed to selective grazing, together with susceptibility to drastic defoliation. Alternative schemes for the use of this grass, involving restricted winter grazing, are suggested.


2019 ◽  
Vol 121 (12) ◽  
pp. 3062-3075 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morgane Millet

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand how a geographical indication (GI) is built through time and how its (non)appropriation by local producers shapes it. The reciprocity of such process is also considered: how the creation of a GI changes local relationships between producers, within the GI and out of it? The case of Ossau-Iraty is relevant: in south-west of France, this protected designation of origin (PDO) has been based on two distinct regions: Bearn (Ossau) and Pays Basque (Iraty). Since then, most producers of Bearn have rejected this PDO. Design/methodology/approach The author adopts a diachronic perspective: the trajectory of the local dairy ewe sector is described, focusing on the trajectory of on-farm cheese makers from Bearn and Pays Basque and the trajectory of Ossau-Iraty. Based on different methods (qualitative interviews and archive research), this paper aims at analyzing the interactions within such heterogeneous networks. Findings When the PDO was created (1980), the opposition between producers of Bearn and Pays Basque was based on strong senses of place, which would be translated in a different perception of tradition: to Bearn producers, PDO Ossau-Iraty would be an industrial cheese, in which they did not recognize their product and themselves. With time, the producers who have been involved in the PDO worked on its specifications. The recognition of symbolic practices such as on-farm production or Summer pasture production, the recognition of differences between Basque cheese and Bearn cheese are changes that contribute to the evolution of perceptions within the local producers’ community. The author observes a recent convergence between Basque producers and Bearn producers, as their distinct products share common and strong qualifications within PDO Ossau-Iraty that contribute to their respective valorization. However, it seems to occur at an institutional level and the adhesion of the local producers might still be at stakes. Research limitations/implications A statistical study could reinforce the author’s exploratory and historical research. Furthermore, it would have been relevant to take local inhabitants and local consumers into account, as they have participated in the products’ qualifications as well. Originality/value A long-term analysis (40 years) contributes to better understand how cheeses are valorized and how such process is based on controversial processes. It contributes to root GIs into local histories, which are nor as consensual neither as uniform as we would primarily think, and to identity levers for sustainable local development.


Author(s):  
G.W. Sheath ◽  
R.W. Webby ◽  
W.J. Pengelly

Comparisons of controlling late spring to early summer pasture growth on either easy or steep contoured land with either a fast rotation or continuous grazing policy were made in self-contained farmlets for two years. Pasture control was maintained over more land by controlling steep land first and with continuous grazing. Animal performances (ewes, steers) were generally similar for the mid-November to early January treatment period, and subsequently until May shearing. In the first year better animal performances occurred in "steep control" farmlets during winter and early spring, but this was less evident in the second year. Priority control of steep land during late spring-early summer is recommended because of likely longer-term benefits in pasture composition,density and production. Quick rotation grazing through the period provides a better ability to recognise and manage pasture quantities and should be adopted if summer droughts are anticipated. For well fenced properties in summer-wet areas and with integrated stock grazing, continuous grazing during late spring-early summer may be equally suitable. Keywords: hill country, grazing management, pasture control


Author(s):  
J.A. Baars ◽  
G.J. Goold ◽  
M.F. Hawke ◽  
P.J. Kilgarriff ◽  
M.D. Rolm

Patterns of pasture growth were measured on 3 farms in the Bay of Plenty (BOP) and at No2 Dairy (Ruakura Agricultural Centre) in the Waikato from 1989 to 199 1. A standardised trim technique with cages and 4-weekly cutting under grazing was used. Long-term seasonal growth patterns, using a predictive pasture model, were also simulated. Simulated pasture growth from long-term climatic data shows that pasture growth rates are higher in winter, early spring and late autumn in the BOP than the Waikato. However, the actual measurements over the 2 years show that pasture growth over the latter periods is lower at the BOP sites than at the Waikato site. In the BOP the spring peak is much later than in the Waikato while an early summer peak, with higher growth rates than in the Waikato, occurred in the BOP. No such summer peak was evident in the Waikato. The difference between the two regions is caused by the large contribution of subtropical grasses to sward production in summer and autumn, The prolific summer growth of subtropical grasses may explain the low ryegrass content and low pasture production in winter. The lower than expected autumn, winter, spring production may also becaused by low clover content, possibly a result of competition from subtropical grasses and a sulphur deficiency. The apparent low amount of nitrogen fixed by clover may explain the low rates of pasture production over the cooler season. Applications of nitrogen fertiliser may substantially increase dry matter production from April to September. Keywords pasture,simulation,subtropical grasses, Paspalum, Digitaria sanguinalis, growth rates


1985 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 758 ◽  
Author(s):  
DG Hall ◽  
EC Wolfe ◽  
BR Cullis

Pasture production, ewe and lamb growth, ewe wool production and diet quality were studied on lucerne-subterranean clover pastures at Wagga Wagga, New South Wales. Lucerne was sown at rates of 0.75 to 3.0 kg/ha, and the pastures were rotationally grazed with Border Leicester x Merino ewes at 9.6 or 12.7 sheep/ha, the ewes lambing in August- September. Lucerne density declined by 45% over the 3 years on all treatments. The clover cultivar sown, Woogenellup, had low persistence, particularly at 12.7 sheep/ha. The density of lucerne had little effect on annual wool and lamb production, although the ewes grew faster on the denser lucerne in summer and the sparser lucerne in winter. At 12- 7 sheep/ha, there was an extra 19% total lamb weight by the end of November and an extra 22% of finer wool (1 �m) annually, but the fleeces had a higher proportion of wool tenderness. The major limitations of the lucerne-subterranean clover pastures to sheep production were the low quality of the diet in early summer, and low pasture production in late winter. In early summer the lucerne was rapidly consumed, leaving only moderate quality clover and grass residues, which limited lamb growth, while in winter pregnancy toxaemia occurred, fleeces were tender and wool growth was low, particularly during a drought in 1976.


1997 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 537 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. Donaghy ◽  
J. M. Scott ◽  
W. J. Fulkerson

Summary. The present study investigated, in a subtropical environment, the timing of defoliation treatments in spring and summer irrigation management on the survival of perennial (Lolium perenne cv. Yatsyn) and biennial (L. multiflorum cv. Noble) ryegrass in a mixed ryegrass–white clover (Trifolium repens) pasture over the first summer, and seedling recruitment the following autumn. Defoliation options were related to various ryegrass plant development stages such as the number of leaves per tiller attained during regrowth, stem elongation and seed set. The criterion for timing of frequent defoliation was 1 leaf/tiller regrowth and infrequent defoliation 3 leaves/tiller. Both pasture types were defoliated either frequently or infrequently at specific times from sowing to mid summer. Half the plots were irrigated from 30 November to 6 April while the remaining plots were not irrigated over this period. There was no survival of biennial ryegrass plants into autumn of the second year and pasture production was entirely from seedling recruitment of seed set in the previous spring. The maximum seedling recruitment (plant population 89% of spring in establishment year) was achieved by infrequent defoliation in mid spring and then cessation of defoliation until mid summer to allow plants to set seed. However, this resulted in a production loss of 3094 kg dry matter/ha of ryegrass and clover. In contrast, production of perennial ryegrass in the second year was reliant almost exclusively on individual ryegrass plants surviving the summer, as there was little seed set and virtually no seedling recruitment. There would appear to be 2 contrasting defoliation requirements to optimise perennial ryegrass persistence. Infrequent defoliation from sowing to early spring (22 March–2 September) and frequent defoliation in early summer (19 November–3 February) resulted in maximum plant survival and minimum tropical grass incursion. Frequent, compared with infrequent, defoliation up to 2 September decreased root dry matter in February by 45% to 1.66 g dry matter/plant. However in early summer, frequent defoliation maximised survival, presumably by reducing shading by tropical grasses, and preventing a closed canopy which encourages ‘rust’ infestation of the ryegrass. Irrigation of ryegrass over summer, in situations likely to become waterlogged, will only be of benefit in dry years and if scheduling is frequent enough to benefit ryegrass rather than tropical grass. These results highlight the importance of maintaining an infrequent defoliation interval to maximise persistence of perennial ryegrass in the subtropics. More frequent defoliation may be necessary in late spring/early summer to reduce the impact of leaf rust.


Author(s):  
G.P. Cosgrove ◽  
R.W. Brougham

Improved pasture species, irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer options for increasing pasture growth rate during inter and Summer have been evaluated in growth rate and annual production of young Friesian bulls. Effective increases in Summer pasture production have been obtained from the use of irrigation, Pawera red clover, Matua prairie grass and particularly a combination of irrigation and Matua, Nitrogen fertilizer, Matua and carryover effects of irrigation have increased cool Season pasture growth rates. Liveweight gains reflect these increases except on Matua pastures where poor growth rate of calves occurs durmg summer. The negative effects of the different pasture treatments on Spring liveweight gain are attributed partly to the effects of compensatory growth in bulls but also to treatment effects which reduce pasture growth rate during this season. For this reason the most effective gains are made by 15-18 month old bulls during summer. Pasture species and pasture mixtures react differently to applications of irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer. The most appropriate Strategies and combinations are discussed


2003 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 349 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. M. Evans ◽  
G. A. Kearney

Dryland salinity is a serious problem in Australia. While some introduced perennial grasses such as tall wheat grass (TWG) Thinopyrum ponticum (Podp. Z.W. Liu & R.R.C. Wang) are adapted to saline soils, there are few pasture legumes that are productive and persistent under saline conditions. Melilotus albus (Medik.) has the potential to be 1 such legume in southern Australia. To test the potential of this species, we conducted 2 experiments over a 3-year period on saline soils at Woorndoo and Glenthompson in south-western Victoria. The soil electrical conductivities (1 : 5 water) of the sites, in autumn before sowing, were 1–3 dS/m at Woorndoo and 3–5 dS/m at Glenthompson (0–10 cm depth).At both sites the herbage yields of 2 Melilotus lines were greater than 10 t/ha of dry matter for the whole season between autumn and late summer. The best commercial control species at Woorndoo, white clover cv. Haifa, produced less than 1/6 of the yield of the best Melilotus line during the summer months. At Glenthompson, during the whole second season the herbage yield of the best Melilotus was 40% greater than that of the best commercial control, Persian clover cv. Nitro plus. In the second season, regeneration of Melilotus at both sites was excellent, averaging 3500 seedlings/m2 at Woorndoo, and 1100 and 3400 seedlings/m2 in mixtures with TWG and in monoculture, respectively at Glenthompson. In the third season, however, regeneration averaged only 400 plants/m2 at Woorndoo and 640 plants/m2 at Glenthompson, both with and without grass. It appears that, when there is limited competition, Melilotus albus dominates in the first 2 years. However, as fertility and water use increase, other pasture species, which initially have a low rate of survival and are unproductive, begin to increase their presence in the sward at the expense of M. albus. These annual species germinate after the autumn rains dilute the salt on the surface of the soil and senesce in early summer as soil water deficits and/or evaporation increase the electrical conductivity again. We suggest that Melilotus albus is an excellent pasture legume to revegetate saline soils in southern Australia and represents an opportunity to obtain high levels of out-of-season pasture production from areas that are currently unproductive.


1979 ◽  
Vol 19 (99) ◽  
pp. 463 ◽  
Author(s):  
GE Rayment ◽  
RC Bruce

Details are given on the effect of topdressed phosphorus, at rates up to 60 kg P ha-1, on macronutrient concentrations and phosphorus uptakes of components of white clover based pastures from phosphorus responsive and non-responsive sites. These data were obtained from 17 short-term field experiments conducted over a five year period in south-east Queensland. Plant indices for predicting yield responses to phosphorus by these pastures were derived from nutrient concentrations in tops and in 'diagnostic' samples of white clover collected during spring to early summer. Mathematical approaches used had little effect on critical values obtained. For white clover tops, which comprised fresh leaves, petioles and flowers, a critical phosphorus concentration of from 0.28 to 0.30% was established. Alternatively, an N : P ratio of 15 effectively separated responsive from non-responsive sites. The critical phosphorus concentration based on 'diagnostic' samples, which differed from tops in that flowers were excluded, was 0.30%. There was no practical difference between diagnostic indices based on white clover or total pasture production.


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