Publication Date

1997

Description

On four occasions, the mineral composition of white clover (Trifolium repens L.), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and paspalum (Paspalum dilatatum Poir.), and their morphological components, were monitored as they regrew after defoliation. The four periods coincided with spring, summer, summer/autumn and autumn. White clover generally had more phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium than did the grasses. Ryegrass, on the other hand, had higher concentrations of sodium than either white clover or paspalum. When compared with requirements for lactating dairy cows, it appeared that phosphorus was the major mineral in the pasture on offer with potential to adversely affect milk production. However, the ability of cows to select particular species and/or morphological components could modify this conclusion.

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Mineral Composition of Perennial Pasture Species Grazed by Dairy Cows in South-Eastern Australia

On four occasions, the mineral composition of white clover (Trifolium repens L.), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and paspalum (Paspalum dilatatum Poir.), and their morphological components, were monitored as they regrew after defoliation. The four periods coincided with spring, summer, summer/autumn and autumn. White clover generally had more phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium than did the grasses. Ryegrass, on the other hand, had higher concentrations of sodium than either white clover or paspalum. When compared with requirements for lactating dairy cows, it appeared that phosphorus was the major mineral in the pasture on offer with potential to adversely affect milk production. However, the ability of cows to select particular species and/or morphological components could modify this conclusion.