Theme 23: Biodiversity
Publication Date
2001
Location
Brazil
Description
Cultivars of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) were seeded in small (1.5 m x 4.6 m) plots and harvested for estimating yield the following spring. Plots were then grazed by cattle continuously for the remainder of the season so as to keep stand heights at 7.5 cm or less. This procedure was repeated for one or two more grazing seasons, depending on stand survival. Stands were visually rated for stand in the fall and spring. Marked differences in grazing tolerance were observed among alfalfa cultivars, following closely the commercial designations as grazing-type or hay-type alfalfa. Some cultivars of endophyte-free tall fescue were as grazing tolerant as endophyte-infected Kentucky 31 tall fescue.
Citation
Spitaleri, Robert F.; Henning, Jimmy C.; Dougherty, Charles T.; Lacefield, Garry D.; and Larson, B. T., "Evaluating Varieties of Alfalfa and Tall Fescue for Tolerance to Over-Grazing by Cattle" (2001). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 9.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/19/23/9)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Evaluating Varieties of Alfalfa and Tall Fescue for Tolerance to Over-Grazing by Cattle
Brazil
Cultivars of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) were seeded in small (1.5 m x 4.6 m) plots and harvested for estimating yield the following spring. Plots were then grazed by cattle continuously for the remainder of the season so as to keep stand heights at 7.5 cm or less. This procedure was repeated for one or two more grazing seasons, depending on stand survival. Stands were visually rated for stand in the fall and spring. Marked differences in grazing tolerance were observed among alfalfa cultivars, following closely the commercial designations as grazing-type or hay-type alfalfa. Some cultivars of endophyte-free tall fescue were as grazing tolerant as endophyte-infected Kentucky 31 tall fescue.
