Seasonal dry matter production, botanical composition and forage quality of kikuyu over-sown with annual or perennial ryegrass
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Date
Authors
Van der Colf, Janke
Botha, Philip R.
Meeske, R.
Truter, Wayne Frederick
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor and Francis
Abstract
The seasonal growth and low forage quality of kikuyu restrict milk production. The aim of this study was to
determine the yield and nutritional value of irrigated kikuyu over-sown with perennial, Italian or Westerwolds
ryegrass grazed by dairy cows. The three pasture systems reached optimum growth during different months and
seasons. Lowest growth rates occurred during winter. Peak growth rates occurred during spring for the Italian
ryegrass–kikuyu, summer for the Westerwolds ryegrass–kikuyu, and late spring and early summer for perennial
ryegrass–kikuyu pasture. All three pasture systems had similar total annual dry matter yields (kilograms dry matter
[DM] per hectare) during year 1, but the perennial ryegrass–kikuyu pasture achieved a higher annual DM yield
during year 2. As kikuyu density increased in kikuyu–ryegrass pastures from winter to summer, the DM and neutral
detergent fibre content increased, whereas the metabolisable energy content decreased. All three treatments
were deficient in calcium during all seasons and in phosphorus during summer and autumn as a pasture for
high-producing dairy cows.
Description
Keywords
Forage quality, Italian ryegrass, Over-sow, Pasture production, Perennial ryegrass, Ryegrass, Westerwolds ryegrass
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Janke van der Colf, Philip R Botha, Robin Meeske & Wayne F Truter (2015) Seasonal dry matter production, botanical composition and forage quality of kikuyu over-sown with annual or perennial ryegrass, African Journal of Range & Forage Science, 32:2, 133-142,DOI:10.2989/10220119.2015.1018945