Item

Grazing evaluation of nine pasture mixtures with angora-type goats

Casey, Marie J.
Date
1992
Type
Thesis
Fields of Research
Abstract
The objectives of this research were to study the performance of nine different pasture mixtures when grazed by young angora type wether goats in the spring, summer and autumn in a cool temperate environment. Pasture and animal production were measured. The nine pastures resulting from lax rotational goat grazing to approximately 10cm are fully described. The pastures were established in December 1988 and grazed solely by goats and measured from September 1989 to April 1990. 'Grasslands Nui’ perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), 45% endophyte infection, was sown with either 'Grasslands Tahora’ white clover (Trifolium repens L.), 'Grasslands Pawera’ red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) or 'Grasslands Maku’ lotus (Lotus pedunculatus Cav.). The other five grass/clover pasture mixtures were 'Grasslands Tahora' white clover sown with each of the following grasses: 'Grasslands Roa' tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceae Schreb.), 'Grasslands Kara’ cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.), 'Grasslands Matua/ prairie grass (Bromus willdenowii Kunth.), 'Grasslands Hakari' upland brome (Bromus sitchensis L.) and 'Grasslands Kahu/ timothy (Phleum pratense L.). The ninth pasture mixture included the herb 'Grasslands Puna/ chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) sown with 'Grasslands Maru’ phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L.) plus 'Grasslands Tahora' white clover. The Matua prairie grass, Kara cocksfoot and Nui/Pawera red clover pastures produced significantly more dry matter than the other treatments. The Nui perennial ryegrass swards produced most in spring (3630 to 4025 kgDMha⁻¹), Matua prairie grass produced most in summer (4355 kgDMha⁻¹) while Kara cocksfoot was highest in autumn (3875 kgDMha⁻¹). Goat liveweight gain in spring was similar for all treatments, averaging 141 ghd⁻¹day⁻¹, with the exception of Matua prairie grass which was significantly lower at 99 ghd⁻¹day⁻¹. Spring liveweight gains and stocking rates were higher than summer for all treatments. In summer the goat liveweight gain averaged 76 ghd⁻¹day⁻¹. The Nui/Pawera red clover pasture had the highest live weight gain (96 ghd⁻¹day⁻¹) similar to Maru phalaris/Puna chicory (94 ghd⁻¹day⁻¹) and Kahu timothy (89 ghd⁻¹day⁻¹). Matua prairie grass again had the lowest liveweight gain (60 ghd⁻¹day⁻¹) although not significantly different from the Maku lotus, Roa tall fescue and Kara cocksfoot. Even though Matua had the highest summer stocking rate it had the lowest animal production per hectare in summer. High live weight gains were related to the nutritive value of the pastures in terms of proportion of legume and leaf material above 10cm. These features were more completely described using measurements of stratified botanical composition than traditional assessments of herbage dry matter production and digestibility analysis. Descriptions of strata in the nine pasture mixtures showed significantly different structures in spring, summer and autumn. Dead material buildup in the base of the sward with time was common to all pastures though less so in the Kahu timothy sward. In this cool temperate environment perennial ryegrass with white clover remains the best option for goats. The addition of chicory and red clover will enhance summer and autumn animal performance. Of the other grasses timothy may be useful in moister areas and upland brome in cooler areas.
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