New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research abstracts
Use of Italian ryegrass on seasonal dairy farms
in northern New Zealand
2. Milk production
E. R. THOM
A. M. BRYANT
Dairying Research Corporation
Private Bag 3123
Hamilton, New Zealand
Abstract Milk production from cows grazing existing perennial
ryegrass pastures or those direct-drilled with Italian ryegrass (Lolium
multiflorum Lam. cv. Concord) or with new perennial ryegrasses (Lolium
perenne L.) was measured over the 1991/92 and 1992/93 lactations
(July-April), on intensively managed farmlets. This trial complemented
large-plot grazing experiments, and incorporated similar renovation methods of
direct-drilling (undersowing) and herbicide application before direct-drilling
of grass seed. Twenty Friesian cows rotationally grazed each of the three
treatment farmlets; they were milked from July/August until April/May. Average
herbage accumulation in late winter/early spring on the Concord farmlet was
only slightly greater (+100 kg DM/ha), but in summer/autumn was inferior (-350
kg DM/ha) to herbage accumulation on the unrenovated perennial ryegrass-based
farmlet (Control). In winter/spring (July-December) 1991 and 1992, cows on the
Concord farmlet produced similar milk yields (about 2800 kg/cow) as those
grazing existing perennial ryegrass pastures and existing pastures
direct-drilled with new perennial ryegrasses. Similarly, there were no
differences in fat, protein, or lactose yields at 129, 98, and 135 kg/cow,
respectively. However, in summer/autumn 1991 (January-April), cows on the
Concord farmlet produced less milk (782 vs 1059 kg/cow), fat (37 vs 54 kg/cow),
protein (27 vs 38 kg/cow), and lactose (37 vs 50 kg/cow) than those grazing the
Control farmlet; there were no treatment differences during summer/autumn 1992.
It was concluded that Concord ryegrass was unable to provide sufficient
increases in feed to improve seasonal or total milk production from cows on
intensively grazed farms.
Keywords Italian ryegrass; Lolium multiflorum Lam.;
perennial ryegrass; Lolium perenne L.; seasonal feed supply; dry matter
content; establishment method; pasture renovation; seasonal dairying; milk
production
New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 1996, Vol. 39: 237-244
0028-8233/96/3902-0237 $2.50/0 (c) The Royal Society of New Zealand
1996
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