Publication Date
1985
Location
Kyoto Japan
Description
Experiments measuring plant performance and animal production from sheep at 4 climatically diverse sites in New Zealand are described. In the southern South Island grazing patterns have been developed which minimize the effect of the winter pasture production trough and make best use of the high spring/summer growth rates. High yields of animal products are achieved. In Canterbury, summer moisture stress and cool winters can have far-reaching effects on pasture and, consequently, animal performance. Use of special-purpose pastures with complementary production rhythms has allowed high productivity to be achieved in dry land. On moist North Island hill country increased stocking rates were required to avoid feed surpluses and control scrub reversion. Winter rotational grazing became important as pasture mass fell below 1000kg DM/ha, a point where compensatory mechanisms for plant growth and animal intake break down. The consistent spring growth peak allowed recovery of pasture density and animal reserves. In Northland a serious spring pasture deficit with normal lambing was overcome by splitting to either winter/spring or autumn/spring. Ewe and lamb gains were higher, utilization and regrowth were improved on ryegrass pastures. On kikuyu, autumn growth was controlled with subsequent increased vigour of associated temperate grasses and legumes. The restrictions which climate imposes in different ways at the different locations have been met while still maintaining high levels of plant and animal performance.
Citation
Harris, A J. and Clark, D A., "Meeting Animal Needs from Mixed Grass-Legume Pastures" (1985). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 30.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1985/ses11/30)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Meeting Animal Needs from Mixed Grass-Legume Pastures
Kyoto Japan
Experiments measuring plant performance and animal production from sheep at 4 climatically diverse sites in New Zealand are described. In the southern South Island grazing patterns have been developed which minimize the effect of the winter pasture production trough and make best use of the high spring/summer growth rates. High yields of animal products are achieved. In Canterbury, summer moisture stress and cool winters can have far-reaching effects on pasture and, consequently, animal performance. Use of special-purpose pastures with complementary production rhythms has allowed high productivity to be achieved in dry land. On moist North Island hill country increased stocking rates were required to avoid feed surpluses and control scrub reversion. Winter rotational grazing became important as pasture mass fell below 1000kg DM/ha, a point where compensatory mechanisms for plant growth and animal intake break down. The consistent spring growth peak allowed recovery of pasture density and animal reserves. In Northland a serious spring pasture deficit with normal lambing was overcome by splitting to either winter/spring or autumn/spring. Ewe and lamb gains were higher, utilization and regrowth were improved on ryegrass pastures. On kikuyu, autumn growth was controlled with subsequent increased vigour of associated temperate grasses and legumes. The restrictions which climate imposes in different ways at the different locations have been met while still maintaining high levels of plant and animal performance.
