Defoliation frequency and intensity effects on pasture forage quality
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Authors: I. Motazedian, and S. H. Sharrow
Date: 1990
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 43
Number: 3
Pages: 198-201
Summary of Methods: Different clipping intensities and intervals were applied to plots of mixed perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and subclover (Trifolium subterraneum) in this study to determine the effects of different grazing management strategies on forage quantity and quality in improved pastures containing these species. Digestible dry matter yield increased with increasing defoliation interval. With the exception of forage digestibility (DMD) in 1980, both digestibility and crude protein content (CPC) of the forage produced decreased linearly as the period between defoliation events increased. Defoliation interval was more important than stubble height and affected forage quantity and quality, in general, as time between clippings increased CPC levels decreased and DMD yield increased. Based on the results of this study, maximum forage quality and yield can be obtained with a 35-49 day interval on perennial ryegrass-subclover pastures, depending on management goals and the most dominant species in the pasture.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: digestible dry matter yield, pasture management, perennial ryegrass, lolium perenne, subclover, trifolium subterraneum, crude protein yield, short duration grazing
Annotation: A 20 x 40 m exclosure was built in March 1980 to protect plants for sheep grazing. The pasture in the study area was established prior to 1970 and was moderately stocked with sheep in years prior to exclosure. Defoliation treatments included all possible combinations of 4 defoliation intervals (DI= 7, 21, 35, or 49 days between 2 consecutive defoliations), and 3 stubble heights (SH: high=70 mm, medium= 55 mm, and low= 40 mm stubble height remaining after defoliation. There were 3 control plots that were undefoliated. Defoliation treatments commenced each spring when plant height reached 15 cm. Defoliation treatments began on April 5, March 24, and April 7 on continued through July in 1980, 1981, and 1982, respectively.
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