MANAGEMENT OF THOROUGHBRED STUD PASTURES IN THE WAIKATO

Abstract

Thoroughbred production systems are concentrated in the Waikato region on free-draining, high fertility soils utilising perennial pastures based on tyegrass/white clover. The major emphasis is on the production of thoroughbred yearling stock for sale in January, and the mating of breeding stock, from September through until December. As with other pastoral industries in the region, successful pasture management entails matching pasture production with animal requirements. On thoroughbred stud farms, a mixture of different classes of horses and co-grazers. principally cattle, make up the animal requirements. This paper examines the relationship between pasture production and animal requirement on a large-scale thoroughbred stud operation. Data from a typical stud farm near Matamata were used to assess total animal requirements. Pasture production was determined from long-term, local mowing trials. Pastures failed to meet animal requirements on this stud from April through to August, while a surplus of pasture growth occurred from September through until March. Pasture utilisation over the main pasture growing period was estimated to be low. Alternative management options are proposed and discussed. Keywords: thoroughbreds, pasture production, management systems, perennial pastures