Publication Date
1993
Description
The effects of low input systems on the ground cover of species and yield and chemical composition of herbage cul from extensive lowland swards was studied over 3 years. The live-weight gain of dairy heifer replacements offered grazed or conserved forage from these pastures was also assessed, The swards were sown with a mixture of grasses, wildflowers and herbs and received no inorganic fertilizers, Applications of slurry in January and February increased herbage yield by 43%, but reduced the cover of flowers and herbs. Using a 2- cut conservation system improved yield of metabolisable energy/ha in herbage by 33%, and maintained the cover of clover compared with a I-cut system. Heifers gained 0.82 kg/head/day over a 155-day grazing period and 0.75 kg/head/day over winter when offered conserved pastures plus a high energy-high protein supplement.
Citation
Fisher, G.E J. and Roberts, D J., "Management of Extensive Pastures for Dairy Youngstock" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 32.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session37/32
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Management of Extensive Pastures for Dairy Youngstock
The effects of low input systems on the ground cover of species and yield and chemical composition of herbage cul from extensive lowland swards was studied over 3 years. The live-weight gain of dairy heifer replacements offered grazed or conserved forage from these pastures was also assessed, The swards were sown with a mixture of grasses, wildflowers and herbs and received no inorganic fertilizers, Applications of slurry in January and February increased herbage yield by 43%, but reduced the cover of flowers and herbs. Using a 2- cut conservation system improved yield of metabolisable energy/ha in herbage by 33%, and maintained the cover of clover compared with a I-cut system. Heifers gained 0.82 kg/head/day over a 155-day grazing period and 0.75 kg/head/day over winter when offered conserved pastures plus a high energy-high protein supplement.
