Publication Date

1993

Description

This paper describes some of the studies that have been conducted since 1985 to develop clover-based pasture systems for intensive sheep production in the central highlands of Papua New Guinea. The clovers tested were Trifolium repens cv. Haifn (Haifa white clover) and Trifolium semipilosum cv. Safari (Kenya white clover). They were sown together, with setaria (Setaria sphacelata cv. Nandi) and signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk) at Menifo (1400 m asl) and with setacia and kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum cv. Whittet) at Tambul (2240 m) and Yogos (1950 m) in the central highlands. At Menifo, when rotationally grazed with sheep, Haifa white clover dominated the clover component of the pasture in the first year. In the second year Kenya white clover progressively became dominant, displacing Haifa white clover which virtually disappeared from the sward, At the other 2 locations, but under zero grazing, the clovers behaved as at Menifo. However, despite the excellent performance of clover-based pastures during the early years they became progressively less productive. Studies are in progress to develop strategies to sustain pasture productivity.

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Clover-Based Pasture Systems for Intensive Sheep Production in the Central Highlands of Papua New Guinea

This paper describes some of the studies that have been conducted since 1985 to develop clover-based pasture systems for intensive sheep production in the central highlands of Papua New Guinea. The clovers tested were Trifolium repens cv. Haifn (Haifa white clover) and Trifolium semipilosum cv. Safari (Kenya white clover). They were sown together, with setaria (Setaria sphacelata cv. Nandi) and signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk) at Menifo (1400 m asl) and with setacia and kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum cv. Whittet) at Tambul (2240 m) and Yogos (1950 m) in the central highlands. At Menifo, when rotationally grazed with sheep, Haifa white clover dominated the clover component of the pasture in the first year. In the second year Kenya white clover progressively became dominant, displacing Haifa white clover which virtually disappeared from the sward, At the other 2 locations, but under zero grazing, the clovers behaved as at Menifo. However, despite the excellent performance of clover-based pastures during the early years they became progressively less productive. Studies are in progress to develop strategies to sustain pasture productivity.