Publication Date
1985
Location
Kyoto Japan
Description
A series of short term trials shows the major influence of pasture allowance and mass in determining intake and gains of sheep. Within the sward the major determinant of intake is green leaf material. Legumes and erect growing grasses in the sward can alter the allowance relationships conferring intake advantages especially at low allowance. The decline of pasture mass during a grazing period can be described by a negative exponential model which is interactive with allowance. In hill country these patterns are subtly altered by grazing duration/ stock density variations, and by the ratio of steep to easy contoured land within a paddock. Recommended winter/spring grazing management of breeding ewes aims to increase pasture mass at lambing, by rationing pasture with a long rotation during winter and set stocking immediately prior to lambing.
Citation
Sheath, G W. and Rattray, P V., "Influence of Pasture Quantity and Quality on Intake and Production of Sheep" (1985). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 26.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1985/ses11/26)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Influence of Pasture Quantity and Quality on Intake and Production of Sheep
Kyoto Japan
A series of short term trials shows the major influence of pasture allowance and mass in determining intake and gains of sheep. Within the sward the major determinant of intake is green leaf material. Legumes and erect growing grasses in the sward can alter the allowance relationships conferring intake advantages especially at low allowance. The decline of pasture mass during a grazing period can be described by a negative exponential model which is interactive with allowance. In hill country these patterns are subtly altered by grazing duration/ stock density variations, and by the ratio of steep to easy contoured land within a paddock. Recommended winter/spring grazing management of breeding ewes aims to increase pasture mass at lambing, by rationing pasture with a long rotation during winter and set stocking immediately prior to lambing.
