Pasture systems to improve productivity of sheep in south-western Victoria 2. Animal production from ewes and lambs

2011 ◽  
Vol 51 (11) ◽  
pp. 982 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoffrey Saul ◽  
Gavin Kearney ◽  
Dion Borg
Keyword(s):  
Flow Analysis ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Supplementary Feeding ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Discounted Cash Flow ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Western Victoria ◽  
Breakeven Point ◽  
Gross Margins ◽  
On Farm

Two pasture systems (Typical, Upgraded) were compared at five on-farm sites across south-western Victoria between 1990 and 1996. The Typical pasture treatment mimicked the pastures common in the region, with volunteer annual-based species fertilised with ~5 kg/ha.year phosphorus (P). The Upgraded pasture treatment was sown to phalaris, perennial ryegrass and subterranean clover using cultivars recommended for the particular area. Higher rates of fertiliser (13–25 kg/ha.year P) plus other nutrients were applied. Both pastures were set-stocked with breeding ewes. The stocking rate on the Typical treatments was based on normal farm practice. Initially, the stocking rate of the Upgraded pastures was 15% higher than the Typical pastures and increased over time depending if the ewes in the Upgraded pastures were heavier than those in the Typical pastures. Measurements included pasture growth, composition and persistence, ewe stocking rates, ewe and lamb liveweights and condition scores, lambing, marking and weaning percentages, fleece characteristics and supplementary feeding. Over the 6 years, the average carrying capacity of the Upgraded pastures was 18.0 DSE (Dry Sheep Equivalents)/ha compared with 10.2 DSE/ha on the Typical pastures (P < 0.001). As well, the ewes on the Upgraded pastures were 2–3 kg heavier (P < 0.001) and 0.3 condition score higher (P < 0.001) than those on the Typical pastures. Ewes grazing the Upgraded pastures cut significantly more wool per head (4.8 versus 4.5 kg) of higher micron wool (23.1 versus 22.6 um, P < 0.001) but with similar yield and strength. There was no difference in the supplementary feeding required on the treatments. Ewes grazing Upgraded pastures had significantly higher lambing (116 versus 102%), marking (86 versus 81%) and weaning percentages (84 versus 79%) and weaned significantly heavier lambs (23.6 versus 22.6 kg) than those on Typical pastures. There was less feed on offer (P < 0.05) in the Upgraded pastures compared with the Typical pastures in autumn–winter but similar or higher levels in spring and summer. Gross margins using current costs and prices were $20 and $24/DSE for the Typical and Upgraded pastures, respectively. These values were used in a discounted cash flow analysis to determine the long-term benefits of the treatments. Assuming a 12-year life for the pasture, the internal rate of return was 27% with the breakeven point in Year 7. Treatment and ewe condition score significantly influenced lambing percentage with ewes in condition score 3.0 at joining having a lambing percentage of 111% compared with 95% if at condition score 2.3. Irrespective of condition score, ewes grazing Upgraded pastures had a 7% higher lambing percentage than those grazing the Typical pastures. Ewe condition score and lambing time significantly affected weaning weight. Lambs born to ewes in condition score 2.3 during pregnancy and lambing in autumn, reached only 32% of mature ewe liveweight at weaning whereas lambs from ewes at condition score 3.0 achieved 51% of mature weight by weaning.

Pasture systems to improve productivity of sheep in south-western Victoria. 1. Growth, composition, nutritive value and persistence of resown pastures

2009 ◽  
Vol 49 (8) ◽  
pp. 654 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoffrey Saul ◽  
Gavin Kearney ◽  
Dion Borg
Keyword(s):  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Local Environment ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
P Rate ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Western Victoria ◽  
Over Time

Two pasture systems were compared at five on-farm sites across south-western Victoria between 1990 and 1996. The ‘typical’ pasture treatment mimicked the pasture and grazing management common in the region, with volunteer annual-based pastures fertilised with around 5 kg/ha phosphorus (P) each year. The ‘upgraded’ pasture treatments were resown to phalaris, perennial ryegrass and subterranean clover, and higher rates of fertiliser (13–25 kg P/ha.year) plus other nutrients were applied. Both pastures were set stocked with the participating farmers breeding ewes. Stocking rate was an emergent variable on each plot. The stocking rate on the typical treatments was based on normal farm practise. Initially, the stocking rate of the upgraded pastures was 15% higher than for the typical pastures and increased over time depending if the ewes in the upgraded pastures were heavier than those in the typical pastures. Measurements included soil fertility, pasture production, nutritive value and composition, and animal production. Net annual pasture production of the upgraded pastures was 10 500 kg/ha compared with 8700 kg/ha for the typical pastures. This average difference (18%) between the treatments was greatly influenced by the large advantage (40%) of the upgraded pasture in the wet year of 1992. Upgraded pastures had higher pasture production than typical pastures in spring but the reverse occurred in autumn. In a separate small plot experiment, the response of each pasture to higher P fertiliser applications was tested. In autumn and winter, there was a significant interaction between pasture type and P rate, with higher responses on the upgraded pastures. In spring, both pastures responded to increased P applications but the upgraded pastures were more responsive at all P rates. The upgraded pastures contained significantly higher legume content (30–50%) than the typical pastures (10–20%). The proportion of sown perennial grasses in the upgraded pasture declined from around 30 to 10% after 6 years displaced by annual grasses and broad-leaf weeds. Herbage from upgraded pastures had significantly higher crude protein content (2–7 units) and digestibility (1–10 units) than the typical pastures with the difference between the treatments increasing over time. The set stocking policy used in this experiment is likely to have exacerbated the decline in sown perennial grasses and implementation of some form of strategic or rotational grazing may have improved persistence. The experiment also highlights the importance of selecting perennial grasses able to cope with the local environment and grazing conditions. Despite the decline in perennials, these results show significant potential to improve pasture productivity and quality in south-western Victoria.

Beef production from lucerne and subterranean clover pastures. 1. The effects of pasture, stocking rate and supplementary feeding

1980 ◽  
Vol 20 (107) ◽  
pp. 678 ◽  
Author(s):  
EC Wolfe ◽  
RD FitzGerald ◽  
DG Hall ◽  
OR Southwood
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Development ◽  
New South ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Supplementary Feeding ◽  
Wagga Wagga ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Eye Muscle ◽  
South Wales ◽  
June July

The production and management of weaner steers on two pasture types were studied over 3 years at Wagga Wagga in southern New South Wales. One pasture (LC) was sown with a mixture of lucerne (Medicago sativa) and subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) and the other (C) was sown only with subterranean clover. On each pasture the management treatments were 1.3 and 2.0 steers ha-' in 1975, and 2.1 and 3.0 steers ha-1 in 1976 and 1977, with a grain supplement at the heavier stocking rate in all years. Each year, steers gained more liveweight in February-March or April-May on LC than on C, and this advantage was maintained or increased until slaughter in the following January. The faster growth of steers on lucerne-clover was always associated with an increased supply of green herbage. Annual liveweight gain on LC exceeded that on C by 20-30 kg/head in 1975 and 1977, and by up to 90 kg/head in 1976, when the rainfall pattern was unsuitable for clover growth. Carcases from steers on LC were heavier (all years), covered with a greater depth of fat (1 975 and 1976) and showed better eye muscle development (1 76 and 1977) than those on C. In 1975, neither stocking rate nor supplementary feeding affected liveweight or carcase development. In the following 2 years, increasing the stocking rate from 2 to 3 steers ha-1 reduced annual liveweight gains by 35-40 kg/head. Oat grain supplements (2-3 kg/head day-1 in February-March, June-July and December-January) improved weight gains and carcase quality on both pasture types in 1977, but only on C in 1976

Tactical versus continuous stocking in perennial ryegrass-subterranean clover pastures grazed by sheep in south-western Victoria. 1. Stocking rates and herbage production

2001 ◽  
Vol 41 (8) ◽  
pp. 1099 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. A. Waller ◽  
P. W. G. Sale ◽  
G. R. Saul ◽  
G. A. Kearney
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Soil Fertility Status ◽  
Western Victoria ◽  
Terminal Sire ◽  
Autumn And Winter ◽  
Stocking Rates

A 4-year field experiment was carried out in south-western Victoria to determine whether tactical stocking might improve perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) persistence and prime lamb production, compared with the more common practice of year-around continuous stocking. Tactical stocking consisted of variable length summer, autumn and winter rotations and continuous stocking in spring. The 2 grazing strategies were compared on 2 contrasting pastures: an upgraded pasture, sown with newer cultivars of perennial ryegrass and subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) with 26 kg phosphorus/ha.year, and a more typical naturalised perennial ryegrass pasture receiving 6 kg phosphorus/ha.year. Paddocks were grazed by Border Leicester x Merino ewes, which were mated to a terminal sire to lamb in September. The effects of the grazing systems and pasture treatments on herbage production and stocking rate are presented in this paper. Herbage production was similar between the treatments, but tactical stocking significantly increased herbage mass during the growing season (P<0.05) compared with continuous stocking. In spring each year, the herbage mass generally exceeded 3000 kg dry matter/ha in tactically stocked paddocks and averaged 500–900 kg dry matter/ha higher than the mass on continuously stocked paddocks. This enabled the year-round stocking rate to be increased by an average of 9% over the 4 years of the experiment. We considered that the stocking rates could not be further increased, despite the higher herbage mass in spring, as stock reduced the dry herbage to a low residual mass by the opening rains in autumn. In contrast, stocking rates averaged 51% higher on the upgraded pasture compared with the typical pasture over the 4 years of the experiment. This indicates that pasture improvement and soil fertility status have a much greater impact on productivity than changes to grazing method. However, tactical stocking was able to increase the sustainability of prime lamb production on upgraded pastures in a dry summer climate, by maintaining herbage cover on the paddocks over the summer–autumn period.

Superphosphate on perennial pastures. I. Effects of a pasture response on sheep production

1977 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 991 ◽  
Author(s):  
ML Curll
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Growth Responses ◽  
South Wales ◽  
History Of ◽  
Sheep Production ◽  
Gross Margins

From 1973 to 1975 in the Mediterranean environment of southern New South Wales, superphosphate was applied annually at four rates (0, 62, 125 and 250 kg ha-1) to an established perennial pasture with a substantial history of superphosphate use. The pasture was continuously grazed by Border Leicester × Merino ewes (at 10 and 13.3 ha-1), so that plant growth responses to superphosphate could be assessed in sheep production terms and an estimate made of the monetary value of these responses. Growth rate of unfertilized pastures declined over the experimental period, and depending on the quantity of superphosphate applied and stocking rate, responses of fertilized pastures ranged from 20 to 36% in 1973, 28 to 157% in 1974 and 75 to 233% in 1975. From having similar proportions of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum), pastures tended towards clover dominance with little (62 kg ha-1) or no superphosphate, particularly at high stocking rate, and to grass dominance at higher rates of superphosphate, particularly at low stocking rate. By increasing the level of available pasture, superphosphate increased wool production and ewe liveweight, lambs reared, their growth rate and the percentage that reached marketable weight (32 kg). These trends were similar at both stocking rates. Significant quadratic response relationships existed between these parameters and rate of superphosphate. Withholding superphosphate caused a progressive reduction in gross margins of about 37% over the 3 year trial period, while its application increased gross margins, relative to those from unfertilized pastures, by a maximum 10, 42, and 140% for the first, second and third year respectively. It is suggested that these pasture responses calibrated in animal production terms may be extended to other situations most effectively by using the data to test and improve tentative models used to predict fertilizer requirements.

Effects of superphosphate fertiliser and stocking rate on the nutritive value of perennial ryegrass and subterranean clover herbage

1999 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 537 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. R. Saul ◽  
G. A. Kearney ◽  
P. C. Flinn ◽  
C. L. Lescun
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Western Victoria ◽  
Stocking Rates ◽  
Infertile Soils

The effect of superphosphate fertiliser on digestible dry matter (DDM) and crude protein (CP) percentages of perennial ryegrass and subterranean clover was assessed on a long-term, grazed experiment in western Victoria. CP of both species increased significantly (3–6 units) where long-term average phosphorus (P) applications were 33 kg/ha.year compared with 1 kg/ha.year. CP of herbage was also greater on paddocks grazed at higher (9–23 ewes/ha) than lower (5–13 ewes/ha) stocking rates (1–3 units). DDM of subterranean clover significantly increased (8–10 units) with higher superphosphate applications but there was little effect on the DDM of perennial ryegrass. Long-term applications of superphosphate were associated with larger increases in both DDM and CP than if the same rate was applied in autumn of the year of measurement. For subterranean clover, 30 kg/ha of P applied to infertile soils (Olsen P 5 mg/kg) in autumn increased the DDM of herbage collected in September by only 4–6 units. The nutritive value of most volunteer pasture species also increased with higher superphosphate applications but the DDM of these species was usually inferior to perennial ryegrass. The results highlight the importance of monitoring nutritive value, pasture composition, and herbage production to quantify fully the likely effect of fertiliser applications on animal production.

Performance of sheep systems grazing perennial pastures. 4. Simulated seasonal variation and long-term production

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 423
Author(s):  
Susan M. Robertson ◽  
Michael A. Friend
Keyword(s):  
Decision Support Tool ◽  
Supplementary Feeding ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Gross Margin ◽  
Production Risk ◽  
Support Tool ◽  
South Wales ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Gross Margins ◽  
Stocking Rates

Choice of sheep-management system alters both production potential and the production risk due to variability in seasonal conditions. This study quantified production and gross margins from systems based on Merino ewes and varying in stocking rate, time of lambing, and the proportion of ewes joined to terminal-breed or Merino rams. Simulation studies were conducted between 1971 and 2011 using the AusFarm decision-support tool for a grazing property in southern New South Wales. Joining between December and May resulted in higher gross margins than in other months because of higher numbers of lambs sold combined with a lower requirement for supplementary feeding. More ewes could be carried per hectare for April joining than February joining to achieve the same midwinter stocking rate and risk of feeding. Self-replacing systems could produce median gross margins similar to those with replacement ewes purchased, but gross margins were sensitive to the cost of replacement ewes. Of the systems compared, February joining to Merino rams produced the lowest gross margins at all stocking rates, but this system also had the lowest variability among years. The advantage of different systems was dependent on seasonal conditions, which altered lamb production and supplementary feeding. The median ranking of systems for gross margin generally did not alter with changes in feed, sheep or wool values. Large increases in gross margins can be achieved through use of terminal-breed rams, optimal stocking rates and time of lambing, but the superiority of any option depended on production system, price assumptions and seasonal conditions.

A FARM GRAZING SYSTEM IN SOUTHLAND - AN ADVISER'S ,RECOMMENDATIONS

1978 ◽  
pp. 60-69
Author(s):  
G.J. Cooney ◽  
K.F. Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Management System ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Supplementary Feeding ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Needs ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
High Animal ◽  
Grazing System ◽  
On Farm

Based on farm trials and observations, a management system is recommended that covers three criteria: (a) an above-average stocking rate; (b) high per head performance; (c) very low cost. The main features of the system are: (a) rotational grazing all year on grass; (b) ewes and hoggets. have separate rotations for most of the year; (c) rotation lengths are designed to achieve maximum available feed at times of high animal intake; (d) supplementary feeding is minimal. The major advantages, cost savings, and limitations are described. Future research needs to optimize this system are discussed.

The productivity of pastures sown with Phalaris tuberosa or Lolium perenne. 1. Pasture growth and composition

1974 ◽  
Vol 14 (70) ◽  
pp. 640 ◽  
Author(s):  
KFM Reed
Keyword(s):  
Lolium Perenne ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Protein Concentration ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Basal Cover ◽  
Western Victoria ◽  
Cutting Height ◽  
Stocking Rates

Pastures at Glenormiston in western Victoria, sown with Phalaris tuberosa cv. Australian (phalaris) or Lolium perenne cv. Victorian (ryegrass) each with Trifolium subterraneum (subterranean clover), were grazed continuously by wethers at six rates of stocking over the range 19.8 to 32.1 sheep ha-1 from October 1966 to March 1971. Pasture growth was measured at three rates of stocking. During a four-year period, the phalaris and ryegrass pastures produced average annual yields of 10.4 and 8.0 t dry matter ha-1 respectively. The growth of phalaris pasture was usually greater in winter when it produced approximately 30 per cent more dry matter than ryegrass pasture. The effect of rate of stocking on pasture growth was rarely significant except in the final six months of the experiment when there was a reduction in growth rate as stocking rate increased. The basal cover of phalaris declined in the two years after a drought in 1967-68 to about 20 per cent irrespective of stocking rate. The basal cover of ryegrass also declined during this period, to a greater extent than phalaris, but in 1969 and 1970 there was some recovery at the lower stocking rates when the ryegrass was able to set seed. The basal cover of subterranean clover was about 20 per cent at 19.8 sheep ha-1 in most years and usually less at the higher stocking rates. The main species that replaced the sown species were Poa annua, Trifolium cernuum, Trifolium glomerata, Arctotheca calendula and Holcus lanatus. The amount of pasture present above a cutting height of 1.5 cm was less than 2 t ha-1 during most of the experiment and decreased as rate of stocking increased. The crude protein concentration of pasture present was always greater than 11 per cent except during the drought in 1967-68, when it fell as low as 5.2 per cent on the ryegrass pastures and to half this level on the phalaris pastures.

Effect of environmental factors on the growth of grazed pasture in south-western Victoria

2006 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 545 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. A. Birrell ◽  
R. L. Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Botanical Composition ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Daily Growth ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Grazed Pasture ◽  
Herbage Yield ◽  
Western Victoria ◽  
Stocking Rates

This paper presents work from several studies on pasture production that were conducted in south-west Victoria at the Pastoral Research Institute, Hamilton. The frequency with which pasture growth commenced for each week of autumn in the years from 1965 to 1991 was assessed. The median period for the commencement of growth was in the third week of March (although the average date was March 27). Autumn data from several trials conducted over 3 decades were collated and analysed. A relationship between the grazed pasture yield (average of stocking rates plots) at the end of autumn and the rainfall showed that 200 mm of rainfall in the 3 months to the end of May was optimal while higher rainfall depressed the growth. The average daily growth rates of introduced pasture (perennial rye grass, Lolium perenne L. cv. Victorian, phalaris, Phalaris aquatica L. cv. Australian, subterranean clover Trifolium subterranneum L. and volunteer species) were measured in 2- and 4-week growth periods (G 2 and G 4, kg DM/ha.day) for the seasonal growth cycles over 4 years (1980–84 except 1983) when grazed by Merino wether sheep at stocking rates of 10, 13 or 18 sheep/ha. The rainfall throughout the study was lower than normal. Although differences in the animal performance between the stocking rates were only small, at the low stocking rate capeweed (Arctotheca calendula L.) in patches became the major component of the sward. Greater variation in G 2 than in G 4 indicated that growth responded quickly to current environmental conditions. A nonlinear regression accounted for 74% of the variance in G 2 when related to the 3 climatic factors of daylength, soil temperature at 10 cm depth and the soil moisture to a depth of 10 cm, and a plant factor of green herbage yield. The 26 % of unaccounted variance appears to be associated with an effect of stocking rate, possibly botanical composition. The botanical composition was not continuously monitored hence the only sward character included in the investigation was herbage yield. Comparison of the patterns of pasture growth from different latitudes indicated that while the growth pattern in south-western Victoria is erratic, it is intermediary between Mediterranean and temperate pasture types. Understanding this aspect has implications for improving the efficiency of animal production in this environment.

Addressing on-farm management to enhance pasture productivity and persistence

2013 ◽  
pp. 241-244
Author(s):  
W.N. Reynolds
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategies ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Pasture Management ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Operating Profit ◽  
The North ◽  
The Cost ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Attention To Detail

Following the 2007/08 drought, we experienced poor pasture production and persistence on our dairy farm in north Waikato, leading to decreased milksolids production and a greater reliance on bought-in feed. It is estimated that the cost of this to our farming operation was about $1300 per hectare per year in lost operating profit. While climate and black beetle were factors, they did not explain everything, and other factors were also involved. In the last 3 years we have changed our management strategies to better withstand dry summers, the catalyst for which was becoming the DairyNZ Pasture Improvement Focus Farm for the north Waikato. The major changes we made were to reduce stocking rate, actively manage pastures in summer to reduce over-grazing, and pay more attention to detail in our pasture renewal programme. To date the result has been a reduced need for pasture renewal, a lift in whole farm performance and increased profitability. Keywords: Focus farm, over-grazing, pasture management, pasture persistence, profitability

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