Publication Date
1985
Location
Kyoto Japan
Description
Leucaena (Leucaena Jeucocephala) can play an important role in alleviating the general low pasture quality during the dry season. Extensive commercial use of leucaena for cattle grazing commenced in central Queensland in 1980 when the grazing management of this tree legume was modified to suit Australian beef producers. Plantings increased from 30 ha in 1979 to 3000 ha in central Queensland by February 1985. This rapid expansion can be attributed to beef producers being more aware ofleucaena management and benefits based on several commercial successes. Mimosine toxicity has not been a problem when cattle have access to tree leucaena and adequate grass. Tree leucaena exploits soil moisture and nutrients beyond the reach of grasses. Hence leucaena offers high quality green forage when tropical grasses are not growing due to cool conditions or soil moisture limitations. The use of leucaena during the nutritional stress period April-October each year has transformed beef breeding ranches into breeding and fattening enterprises. In addition the total number of cattle maintained on the ranch can be increased markedly. The commercial success of dryland tree leucaena pastures in central Queensland is encouraging rapid adoption, and interest has been generated in similar environments in tropical and sub-tropical Australia and other countries.
Citation
Wildin, J H., "Leucaena - A Permanent Dry Season Forage in Australia" (1985). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 12.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1985/ses15/12)
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Leucaena - A Permanent Dry Season Forage in Australia
Kyoto Japan
Leucaena (Leucaena Jeucocephala) can play an important role in alleviating the general low pasture quality during the dry season. Extensive commercial use of leucaena for cattle grazing commenced in central Queensland in 1980 when the grazing management of this tree legume was modified to suit Australian beef producers. Plantings increased from 30 ha in 1979 to 3000 ha in central Queensland by February 1985. This rapid expansion can be attributed to beef producers being more aware ofleucaena management and benefits based on several commercial successes. Mimosine toxicity has not been a problem when cattle have access to tree leucaena and adequate grass. Tree leucaena exploits soil moisture and nutrients beyond the reach of grasses. Hence leucaena offers high quality green forage when tropical grasses are not growing due to cool conditions or soil moisture limitations. The use of leucaena during the nutritional stress period April-October each year has transformed beef breeding ranches into breeding and fattening enterprises. In addition the total number of cattle maintained on the ranch can be increased markedly. The commercial success of dryland tree leucaena pastures in central Queensland is encouraging rapid adoption, and interest has been generated in similar environments in tropical and sub-tropical Australia and other countries.
