Offered Papers Theme A: Efficient Production from Grassland
Description
In tropical Australia, very short and erratic wet seasons are the critical factors in determining forage growth and animal production (Wheeler & Freer, 1986). Grasses are highly susceptible to low rainfall and animal production in such conditions become strictly seasonal. Improvements in meat and wool production by the introduction of stylo species (Stylosanthes sp.) into natural grasslands have been intensively reported (Gillard & Winter, 1984). However, there are currently no suitable introduced legumes for the c.28 million ha of Mitchell grass (Astrebla spp.) plains in heavy clay soils of western North Queensland, grazed predominately by wool producing Merino sheep (Phelps, 1999). Members of the genus Desmanthus appear to offer the possibility for filling this role (Gardiner et al., 2004). This work aimed to evaluate the potential of four Desmanthus accessions, in comparison with Verano stylo (Stylosanthes hamata cv. Verano), as alternative supplements for diets of Mitchell grass hay fed to Merino wethers in western North Queensland.
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Desmanthus: A New Forage Legume to Improve Wool Growth in Tropical Australia
In tropical Australia, very short and erratic wet seasons are the critical factors in determining forage growth and animal production (Wheeler & Freer, 1986). Grasses are highly susceptible to low rainfall and animal production in such conditions become strictly seasonal. Improvements in meat and wool production by the introduction of stylo species (Stylosanthes sp.) into natural grasslands have been intensively reported (Gillard & Winter, 1984). However, there are currently no suitable introduced legumes for the c.28 million ha of Mitchell grass (Astrebla spp.) plains in heavy clay soils of western North Queensland, grazed predominately by wool producing Merino sheep (Phelps, 1999). Members of the genus Desmanthus appear to offer the possibility for filling this role (Gardiner et al., 2004). This work aimed to evaluate the potential of four Desmanthus accessions, in comparison with Verano stylo (Stylosanthes hamata cv. Verano), as alternative supplements for diets of Mitchell grass hay fed to Merino wethers in western North Queensland.
