HERBAGE PRODUCTION BY RYEGRASS, TALL FESCUE AND PHALARIS AT DIFFERENT STOCKING RATES

Abstract

Swards of 'Grasslands' Nui ryegrass, Roa tall fescue and Maru phalaris were grared according to feed budgets to consume the estimated annual requirement of 15, 20 and 25 breeding ewes ha-r. The effects of these 9 grazing systems on seasonal changes of, and interrelationships between standing herbage mass (V), achieved herbage consumption(C) and net herbage accumulation rate(G) are examined. The relationship of G to V varied between seasons, but for a full year G decreased by 3 kg DM ha-r day-r for each 1000 kg DM ha-r Increase of V. Estimated consumption requirements were exceeded at 15 ewes ha-r, were about adequate at 20ewes ha-r, but were deficient at 25 ewes ha-r. 4t 25 ewes ha-r ryegrass provided 28% more consumed herbage than phalaris. Indications are that at stocking rates at which G is near maximum and differences between grass species important, intake, and hence per animal performance, may be restricted.