scholarly journals Grazing management influences on seasonality and performance of ryegrass and red clover in a mixture

1985 ◽  
pp. 71-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.P. Cosgrove ◽  
R.W. Brougham
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Total Production ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Clover Pasture ◽  
Summer Grazing ◽  
Clover Plant

Grazing management influences on the production and species composition of a ryegrass, red and white clover pasture were evaluated over 3 years. Pastures were grazed by cattle frequently in either winter or summer and infrequently for the remainder of the year or grazed infrequently all year. Frequency was determined by the height of herbage pre-grazing and was lo-12 cm for frequent grazing and 15-20 cm for infrequent grazing. Annual herbage production of 15.1 t DM/ha was not influenced by grazing management but seasonal production was. Management caused both instantaneous and longer term effects on production of component species. Lower summer production because of frequent grazing in that season resulted from a reduction in red clover production from 2.75 to 1.3 t DM/ha. However, ryegrass production in spring was increased by 60% and in summer it was more than doubled by this grazing treatment. Frequent grazing in winter also increased ryegrass and reduced red clover production in summer compared with infrequent grazing all year but had no effect on ryegrass production in spring. Red clover plant density was unaffected by the different grazing managements imposed for two and a half years but subsequently was lower under frequent summer grazing. Red clover dominance in summer and its effect on ryegrass production in spring can be controlled by more frequent grazing in summer and a more even species balance results. Emphasis on spring or summer production can be achieved through grazing management without affecting total production. Keywords: Red clover, ryegrass, grazing frequency, cattle grazing, herbage production, seasonal production

scholarly journals Pastures and forages for deer growth

2003 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 25-40
Author(s):  
A.M. Nicol ◽  
T.N. Barry
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Red Deer ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Seasonal Effects ◽  
Forage Species ◽  
Clover Pasture ◽  
Deer Grazing

Pasture is the primary feed source for NZ deer production with the greatest proportion grazed in situ. The quantity and quality of the pastures available to grazing deer varies markedly as a result of environmental factors and feed planning decisions by deer farmers. The grazing behaviour of deer responds to changes in pasture height and mass and the effect of pasture variables (height, pre -and post-grazing pasture mass and pasture allowance) on deer productivity are presented. These show that maximum levels of deer production from pasture will be achieved at a pasture height of around 8 cm (continuously stocked or post-grazing) although there is some evidence that for large genotypes, higher pasture availability is required. The relationship of liveweight gain of young deer with pasture availability shows marked seasonal effects. At the same level of pasture availability liveweight gain in spring is about twice that in winter, with autumn and summer intermediate. Increasing pasture availability cannot compensate for seasonal differences in liveweight gain. Furthermore, liveweight gain increases at a greater rate in spring than winter to increasing pasture availability, thus it is more important that appropriate pasture allowances are provided in spring than in winter. There is more variability in liveweight gain at a similar pasture availability in summer than in other seasons because of the greater variation in pasture quality in summer with the potential accumulation of seedheads and dead material. Alternative forage species are used in deer production for times of the year when quantity and quality of perennial ryegrass-based pastures limit productivity. Relative to weaner red deer grazed on perennial ryegrass/ white clover pasture, grazing on pure swards of red clover or chicory increased growth during autumn by 26-47% and during spring by 10-14%. The proportion of stags attaining target slaughter liveweight at 12 months of age increased from 75 to 94%. Pre-weaning growth during lactation was increased by approximately 20%. Red clover and chicory produce a greater proportion of their total DM during late summer and autumn than does perennial ryegrass/white clover pasture, and are therefore better aligned with deer feed requirements, particularly those of lactating hinds. Grazing on sulla in autumn and spring increased the growth of weaner deer by 33 and 10%, relative to pasture fed deer. Indoor studies showed that relative to perennial ryegrass, chicory was of higher organic matter digestibility, disintegrated more rapidly in the rumen with a low rumination time and had shorter mean retention time of material in the rumen. This explains differences in voluntary feed intake which were 56, 26 and 15% higher for deer grazing chicory than perennial ryegrass/white clover pastures during summer, autumn and spring respectively. Similar r esults have been found for the digestion of red clover versus perennial ryegrass by red deer. Plant density in stands of both chicory and red clover declines with time, with their lifetime under deer grazing being approximately 4 years. A mixture of both plants offers a food option as specialist forage for increasing deer growth and also fixing nitrogen. To ensure good persistence such forages should not be grazed in periods of prolonged wet weather. Best persistence is obtained when these are managed as specialist forages for increasing deer growth on a small area of the farm, (10- 20% total area), rather than being sown as a mixture with grasses over large areas of the farm. There is no specific comparison of deer production under different stocking systems and both continuous grazing and rotational grazing are used. Based on evidence and practices with other species, choice of stocking system has more to do with pasture/forage species, feed budgeting, pasture management and animal behaviour than with productivity. At high stocking densities (150 deer/ha), the grazing time of subordinate animals is reduced. Where possible, without inducing undue stress (e.g. at weaning), young deer should be grouped for grazing by liveweight. Deer production systems have a seasonal pattern of energy demand that does not match that of pasture growth in most NZ environments. This calls for manipulation of the feed demand by integration of livestock systems and/ or modification of the feed supply through conservation and supplementation. The most commonly used supplements are pasture and lucerne silage/baleage and grain. The quality (ME/kg DM) has a significant impact on the resulting liveweight gain.

Summer Grazing Management of a White Clover-Bahiagrass Pasture: Legume Survival

1986 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 363-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. H. Dzowela ◽  
G. O. Mott ◽  
W. R. Ocumpaugh
Keyword(s):  
White Clover ◽  
Seedling Recruitment ◽  
Grazing Pressure ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Primary Mechanism ◽  
Heavy Grazing ◽  
Seed Reserves ◽  
Survival Potential ◽  
Summer Grazing ◽  
Pasture Legume

SUMMARYA grazing management study involving the new white clover cultivar Osceola grown in association with Bahiagrass cv. Pensacola was conducted on wet and dry sites with and without pesticide/herbicide treatment. A combination of heavy grazing pressure and a short deferment period before grazing during the summer and autumn resulted in the largest soil seed reserves and seedling recruitment by the white clover component. However, maximum survival of plants was recorded from a combination of a short deferment period and moderate grazing pressure.A slight increase in plant survival and seedling recruitment was shown on the wet site. Survival potential was least in pasture treated with pesticide and herbicide. Heavy grazing pressure and short deferment periods appear essential for the survival of the clover component. Annual seedling recruitment from soil seed reserves was the primary mechanism of white clover survival from spring to spring in pasture associations based on tropical bahiagrass.

scholarly journals GRAZING MANAGEMENT OF PERENNIAL RYEGRASS/ WHITE CLOVER PASTURE IN-LATE SPRING

1982 ◽  
pp. 80-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.J. Korte
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Accumulation Rate ◽  
Grazing Intensity ◽  
Late Spring ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Tiller Density ◽  
Tiller Dynamics ◽  
Clover Pasture

The patterns of herbage accumulation and the tiller dynamics of a "Grasslands Nui" perennial ryegrass dominant pasture were compared under two grazing intensity treatments in late spring. Rank stemmy herbage developed with lax grazing whereas dense leafy pasture developed with close grazing. Dead herbage and uneaten stems in rank pastures shaded photosynthetic tissue. Leafy swards had a higher herbage accumulation rate and a higher tiller density than stemmy swards. Methods of achieving leafy pasture on farms by combinations of hard grazing, forage conservation and mechanical topping are discussed briefly.

scholarly journals A review of the use of chicory, plantain, red clover and white clover in a sward mix for increased sheep and beef production

2015 ◽  
Vol 77 ◽  
pp. 89-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
L.M. Cranston ◽  
P.R. Kenyon ◽  
S.T. Morris ◽  
P.D. Kemp
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Trifolium Pratense ◽  
Plantago Lanceolata ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Cichorium Intybus ◽  
Winter Grazing ◽  
Clover Pasture

Many farmers are sowing mixed swards containing chicory (Cichorium intybus), plantain (Plantago lanceolata), red clover (Trifolium pratense) and white clover (T. repens) (hereafter termed herb and clover mix). This herb and clover mix has comparable annual dry matter (DM) production to perennial ryegrass white clover pasture (rye/wc), however, it has a different pattern of growth, producing more DM during summer and autumn. The herb and clover mix also has a higher nutritive value and is able to support greater rates of animal production, especially over summer, than rye/ wc in both sheep and cattle. The herb and clover mix is most suited to a rotational grazing interval of 3-4 weeks to an 8 cm residual height, with no winter grazing. When managed appropriately the herb and clover mix is able to persist for at least 2 years and up to 5 years under both sheep and cattle grazing. Keywords: Cichorium intybus, Plantago lanceolata, Trifolium pratense, Trifolium repens, legume, perennial, nutritive value.

Nitrogen fertiliser effects on white clover in dairy pastures

1996 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 119-124
Author(s):  
S.L. Harris ◽  
D.A. Clark ◽  
C.D. Waugh ◽  
F.H. Clarkson
Keyword(s):  
White Clover ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Plant Morphology ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
N Application ◽  
N Rates ◽  
And Control ◽  
Stocking Rates ◽  
Clover Content ◽  
Clover Plant

Effects of high N fertiliser rates on white clover content in the sward and clover plant morphology were monitored over two years (June1993-June 1995) at the DRC, Hamilton. The clover study was part of a farmlet trial aimed at increasing milksolids (MS) production to 1750 kg MS/ha using urea (0, 200 or 400 kg N/ha/yr) to increase pasture production at low (3.2 cows/ha) or high (4.5 cows/ha) stocking rates. On low stocked farmlets clover contents declined to 10.6% (200 kg N/ ha/yr) and 2.2% (400 kg N/ha/yr) by June 1995 compared with 16.8% under no N. Decreased clover content was a result of increased competition from N-boosted ryegrass. At the high stocking rate, N application resulted in clover contents of 14.9% (200 kg N/ha/yr) and 6.8% (400 kg N/ha/yr) compared with 15.4% under no N. Pasture utilisation was better on these farmlets, suggesting the improved utilisation and control of additional feed, particularly during spring, was responsible for the higher clover content. Measurements of clover plant density supported the clover content observations. By June 1995 there were 438, 227 and 26 plants/m2 under 0, 200 and 400 kg N/ha/yr respectively. High N rates also affected clover plant morphology; plants developed fewer axillary buds and stolons, and had lower stolon dry weights under 400 kg N/ha/yr. Keywords: clover content, dairying, morphology, nitrogen, plant density, Trifolium repens, white clover

scholarly journals SOME EFFECTS OF WINTER GRAZING MANAGEMENT ON WINTER AND SUBSEQUENT SPRING PRODUCTIVITY OF A RYEGRASS-WHITE CLOVER PASTURE

1970 ◽  
pp. 191-197
Author(s):  
A.J. Harris ◽  
K.R. Brown
Keyword(s):  
White Clover ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Winter Grazing ◽  
Clover Pasture

THE NEED for greater efficiency in pasture utilization is becoming more marked as stock numbers rise. In Southland, much of the increase is arising from higher stock concentrations and rates of almost 10 sheep per acre are known (Lawlor, 1970), although the average is considerably lower.

Sward complexity and grass species composition affect the performance of grass-white clover pasture mixtures

2012 ◽  
Vol 92 (6) ◽  
pp. 1199-1205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. A. Papadopoulos ◽  
M. S. McElroy ◽  
S. A. E. Fillmore ◽  
K. B. McRae ◽  
J. L. Duyinsveld ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Poa Pratensis ◽  
Kentucky Bluegrass ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Meadow Fescue ◽  
Reed Canarygrass ◽  
Grass Growth ◽  
Clover Pasture

Papadopoulos, Y. A., McElroy, M. S., Fillmore, S. A. E., McRae, K. B., Duyinsveld, J. L. and Fredeen, A. H. 2012. Sward complexity and grass species composition affects the performance of grass-white clover pasture mixtures. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 1199–1205. The productivity of managed permanent pastures is closely associated with the species composition of seeded mixtures. Ecological theory suggests that increasing plant species' diversity will result in higher productivity, resilience, and resistance to invasive species. To better understand the relationship between sward species composition and pasture productivity, mixtures of four common pasture grass species, timothy (Phleum pratense L.), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.), and meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis L.), were seeded in 2004 in binary (two-grass), tertiary (three-grass), and quaternary (four-grass) combinations with white clover (Trifolium repens L.). Plots were rotationally grazed for 5 yr, with yield determined in the first post-establishment year (2005) and in 3 subsequent production years (2007, 2008, and 2009). Mean dry matter yield (DMY) increased appreciably from post-establishment (3801 kg ha−1) to the production years (6613 kg ha−1). Contrasts revealed significantly higher DMY production in quaternary mixtures versus less complex plots in production years. Repeated measure analysis found significant quadratic trends in DMY for plots containing bluegrass and timothy, showing different patterns of growth between the respective mixtures. Principal component analysis (PCA) of averaged yields over the production years revealed a strong association between seeded grass growth and DMY. This relationship between DMY and seeded grass growth was strongest in swards containing a combination of timothy and bluegrass. In general, the growth of unseeded grasses and forbs increased in mixtures with large proportions of timothy and reed canarygrass. In spite of the fact that mixtures containing timothy and bluegrass were shown to produce high DMY, it appears the aggressiveness of bluegrass suppressed the yield potential of timothy. White clover yields and unseeded grasses/forbs were both significantly lower in mixtures containing bluegrass. Also, the PCA revealed a favourable compatibility between meadow fescue and white clover growth, while bluegrass appears to suppress meadow fescue growth. Results show that species complexity increases sward productivity over the long term, and that the presence of two grass species, in particular (timothy and bluegrass), has considerable influence on DMY.

Morphology of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) plants in pastures under intensive sheep grazing

1993 ◽  
Vol 120 (3) ◽  
pp. 301-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Brock ◽  
R. H. Fletcher
Keyword(s):  
Lolium Perenne ◽  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Stem Length ◽  
Sheep Grazing ◽  
Plant Structure ◽  
Rotational Grazing ◽  
Tiller Density

SUMMARYThe morphology of independent plants of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) in mixed swards under intensive sheep grazing was studied at Palmerston North, New Zealand in 1988/89. Intact plants of two cultivars, ‘Grasslands Nui’ and ‘Grasslands Ariki’, were sampled from pastures under rotational grazing, set stocking, and a combination of both systems, every 2 months for 16 months, by taking turves (250 × 250 mm) and washing out the plants. Characters measured for each plant were: number of flower heads, leaves and tillers; basal stem and internode stolon length; flower head, leaf blade, leaf sheath and stolon dry weight (DW). Additional pasture data on tiller density and dispersion and herbage DW to ground level were also collected.Perennial rye grass exhibited a strong clonal growth pattern similar to that of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) but with a better balance between growth at the apex and death of old basal stem. Release of branch stolons to form new plants was regular, which maintained population stability. Formation of internode (I) stolon appeared to be a response of heavily shaded tillers for survival by elevation of the growing point to a more favourable position. The total DW of ryegrass stolon in pastures was greater than that of the companion white clover.There was little seasonal variation in number of tillers or basal (B) stem length per plant. During the reproductive period (late spring/early summer) plants were heavier and had more leaves and internode stolon than at other times of the year. Grazing management had little effect on plant structure, but plants under rotational grazing had 75% greater DW, less basal stem and reduced probability of internode stolon formation than plants under set stocking. Nui plants had heavier but fewer tillers than Ariki did, resulting in little difference in plant DW. Ariki had fewer single-tiller plants and a higher proportion of multiple-tiller (> 7) plants than Nui had. The structure of the populations was not affected by season, management or cultivar and remained stable throughout the year, with a log-normal distribution of plant size. Because of the uniformity of plant structure, plant density in pastures paralleled tiller density, averaging 1900, 3360 and 2330 plants/m2 for rotationally grazed, set stocked and combined grazing treatments respectively.In view of the strong influence that grazing management can have on ryegrass performance and persistence in pastures, the lack of response at the level of plant and population structure to grazing management suggests that some other level of organization within the ecology of the pasture is of greater importance.

Four-year leys: the inclusion of red clover: first year management

1939 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 164-173
Author(s):  
F. H. Garner ◽  
H. G. Sanders
Keyword(s):  
White Clover ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
First Year ◽  
Cambridge University ◽  
Late Flowering ◽  
Harvest Year ◽  
Summer Grazing

1. Two experiments have been carried out on the Cambridge University Farm to test the desirability of including late-flowering red clover in the seeds mixture in the case of a 4-year ley, and to compare grazing with cutting for hay in the first harvest year.2. The majority of the red clover survived for the first 2 years, during which it increased the yield of dry matter very markedly; it did not lead to any reduction of yield in the last 2 years. By producing an early cover of the ground red clover checked the encroachment of weeds; although it reduced the proportion of wild white clover in the herbage in the later years, the reduction was not serious.3. Where the young plants were well established at the time, and normal weather conditions were experienced, grazing was definitely preferable to cutting for hay during the first harvest year. Where the plants were slow in establishing themselves, and in a superlatively dry spring and summer, grazing checked the development of the sward too much, and cutting for hay gave much better results.

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