DRY MATTER PRODUCTION OF 'MASSEY BASYN' YORKSHIRE FOG (HOLCUS LANATUS)

Abstract

In two experiments carried out at Massey University it was shown that 'Massey Basyn' Yorkshire fog gave similar dry matter yields to Ruanui, Ariki, and Manawa ryegrasses and promoated lamb liveweight gains similar to those ,obtained on Ruanui ryegrass pastures. Lamb birthweights were significantly lower on Yorkshire fog than on ryegrass pastures. Yorkshire fog was relatively slow to establish, but low grass production in the early stages was balanced by increased clover growth. The seasonal production of Yorkshire fog was well distribumted. Yorkshire fog suppressed white clover and volunter species more than did the ryegrasses, particularly in spring, when Yorkshire fog plots gave lower yields than ryegrass plots.