Publication Date
1997
Description
Forage trials were established in response to producer interest in grazing-based dairy production. The quantity and seasonal distribution of yield of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), white clover (Trifolium repens var. giganteum L.), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), and cicer milkvetch (Astragalus cicer L.) harvested three times were similar, with about half the production occurring in June. Legume quality was higher in June, and quality for all species was highest in late summer. Yields of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), meadow bromegrass (Bromus riparius Rehm.) and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) were approximately half that of the other forages, and were evenly distributed throughout the growing season. The crude protein content of perennial ryegrass and meadow bromegrass was equal to that of the legumes during July. Yields for all forages were higher than those reported for the same species grown in the humid eastern U.S., and quality was similar.
Citation
MacAdam, J W.; Whitesides, R E.; Winger, M B.; and Buffler, S, "Pasture Species for Grazing-Based Dairy Production Under Irrigated in the Intermountain West" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1997-2023). 47.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1997/session22/47
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Pasture Species for Grazing-Based Dairy Production Under Irrigated in the Intermountain West
Forage trials were established in response to producer interest in grazing-based dairy production. The quantity and seasonal distribution of yield of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), white clover (Trifolium repens var. giganteum L.), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), and cicer milkvetch (Astragalus cicer L.) harvested three times were similar, with about half the production occurring in June. Legume quality was higher in June, and quality for all species was highest in late summer. Yields of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), meadow bromegrass (Bromus riparius Rehm.) and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) were approximately half that of the other forages, and were evenly distributed throughout the growing season. The crude protein content of perennial ryegrass and meadow bromegrass was equal to that of the legumes during July. Yields for all forages were higher than those reported for the same species grown in the humid eastern U.S., and quality was similar.
