The effect of perennial grass species on forage growth and quality, etiolated growth, animal performance and economics

Abstract

A series of experiments were conducted during 2005 and 2006 to evaluate five perennial grass species for forage yield and quality, steer performance and grazing capacity, animal intake, plant energy reserves and economic return under grazed conditions. In 1999, two 0.8 ha replicates each of ‘Paddock’ meadow bromegrass (Bromus ripariusRehm.), ‘Carlton’ smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermisLeyss.) and ‘AC Knowles’ hybrid bromegrass (B. riparius x B. inermis) were seeded. In 2003, two 0.8 ha replicates each of ‘AC Goliath’ crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.), hybrid bromegrass, and ‘Courtenay’ tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) were seeded. A long established stand of crested wheatgrass acted as the control pasture. For 2003 established pastures, AC Goliath crested wheatgrass (7515 kg ha-1) had greater (P