Hostname: page-component-76fb5796d-5g6vh Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-04-27T04:19:04.870Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

An evaluation of two perennial ryegrass cultivars (AberDart and Fennema) for sheep production in the uplands

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 December 2010

J. G. EVANS ,
M. D. FRASER ,
I. OWEN  and
D. A. DAVIES
J. G. EVANS
Affiliation:
Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Bronydd Mawr, Brecon LD3 8RD, UK
M. D. FRASER*
Affiliation:
Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Gogerddan, Aberystwyth SY23 3EB, UK
I. OWEN
Affiliation:
Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth SY23 3AL, UK
D. A. DAVIES
Affiliation:
Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Bronydd Mawr, Brecon LD3 8RD, UK
*
*To whom all correspondence should be addressed. Email: mariecia.fraser@aber.ac.uk
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Summary

Under lowland conditions there is evidence to indicate that animals consuming ryegrasses bred for elevated water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) concentrations are able to utilize the protein in their diet more efficiently, resulting in increased live-weight gain, milk production and lower loss of N. The current study evaluated the effects on upland sheep production of grazing two cultivars of perennial ryegrass nominally differing in WSC content. Replicate plots (n=4) of a cultivar bred for elevated levels of WSC (AberDart) and a control cultivar (Fennema) were grazed by ewes and lambs (pre-weaning) and by lambs only (post-weaning). Target surface sward heights of 40 and 60–70 mm were maintained during the pre-weaning and post-weaning periods, respectively. No differences were found in the WSC concentration of the two swards during either the pre-weaning or post-weaning periods. However, cultivar AberDart had a significantly lower fibre concentration during both periods (P<0·05), and a higher digestibility of organic matter in dry matter (DOMD) value during the post-weaning period (P<0·05). There was no cultivar effect of treatment on lamb growth during the pre-weaning period, but lamb live-weight gain was significantly higher for those grazing AberDart than Fennema during the post-weaning period (200 g/d v. 125 g/d; s.e.d.=26·5 g/d; P<0·01), leading to a greater proportion of lambs selected for slaughter by the end of September (0·99 v. 0·70 respectively; s.e.d.=0·062; P<0·05). The improved performance for lambs grazing AberDart relative to those grazing Fennema indicates that advances in plant breeding have the potential to improve the efficiency and profitability of lamb production in the uplands. However, additional research is required to explore the extent to which growing conditions in marginal environments influence the expression of traits.

Type
Animals
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 149 , Issue 2 , April 2011 , pp. 235 - 248
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2010

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

Allen, M. S. (1996). Physical constraints on voluntary intake of forages by ruminants. Journal of Animal Science 74, 3063–3075.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Anderson, J. (2000). Planned Carcase Production. Sheep Management Matters No. 8. Milton Keynes, UK: Meat Livestock Commission.Google Scholar
Barthram, G. T. (1986). Experimental techniques: the HFRO sward stick. In Biennial Report, Hill Farming Research Organisation, 1984–85 (Ed. Alcock, M. M.), pp. 29–30. Penicuik, UK: Hill Farming Research Organisation.Google Scholar
Binnie, R. C., Mayne, C. S. & Laidlaw, A. S. (2001). The effects of rate and timing of application of fertilizer nitrogen in late summer on herbage mass and chemical composition of perennial ryegrass swards over the winter period Northern Ireland. Grass and Forage Science 56, 46–56.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ciavarella, T. A., Simpson, R. J., Dove, H., Leury, B. J. & Sims, I. M. (2000). Diurnal changes in the concentration of water-soluble carbohydrates in Phalaris aquatica L. pasture in spring, and the effect of short-term shading. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 51, 749–756.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Conaghan, P., O'Kiely, P., O'Mara, F. P. & Caffrey, P. J. (2002). Yield and chemical composition of lines of Lolium perenne L. selected for high water-soluble carbohydrate concentration. In Grasslands and Silage. Proceedings of the Agricultural Research Forum, Tullamore, p. 39.Google Scholar
Cunningham, J. M. M. & Groves, C. R. (1985). The hills and uplands of the UK. In Hill and Upland Livestock Production (Eds Maxwell, T. J. & Gunn, R. G.), pp. 1–8. British Society of Animal Production Occasional Publication No. 10. Penicuik, UK: BSAS.Google Scholar
Davies, D. A. (1998). Improved Upland Pastures: The Bronydd Mawr Story. IGER Technical Advisory Report No. 2. London: MAFF.Google Scholar
Davies, D. A., Fothergill, M. & Jones, D. (1989). Assessment of contrasting perennial ryegrasses, with and without white clover, under continuous sheep stocking in the uplands. 1. Animal production from the grass varieties. Grass and Forage Science 44, 431–439.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Davies, D. A., Fothergill, M. & Jones, D. (1991). Assessment of contrasting perennial ryegrasses, with and without white clover, under continuous sheep stocking in the uplands. 3. Herbage production, quality and intake. Grass and Forage Science 46, 39–49.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Davies, D. A., Munro, J. M. M. & Morgan, T. E. H. (1984). Potential pasture production in the uplands of Wales. 6. The relative performance of sown species. Grass and Forage Science 39, 229–238.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Evans, W. B. & Scurlock, R. V. (1987). Herbage and lamb production of Aberystwyth Aurora. In Efficient Sheep Production from Grass: Proceedings of a Conference Organised Jointly with the National Sheep Association held at Harrogate, North Yorkshire, 4–5 November 1986 (Ed. Pollott, G. E.), pp. 193–194. British Grassland Society Occasional Symposium 21. Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK: British Grassland Society.Google Scholar
Fraser, M. D., Davies, D. A., Vale, J. E., Hirst, W. M. & Wright, I. A. (2007). Effects on animal performance and sward composition of mixed and sequential grazing of permanent pasture by cattle and sheep. Livestock Science 110, 251–266.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Fulkerson, W. J. & Donaghy, D. J. (2001). Plant-soluble carbohydrate reserves and senescence – key criteria for developing an effective grazing management system for ryegrass-based pastures: a review. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 41, 261–275.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Fulkerson, W. J. & Trevaskis, L. M. (1997). Limitations to milk production from pasture. In Recent Advances in Animal Nutritional in Australia (Eds Corbett, J. L., Choct, M., Nolan, J. V. & Rowe, J. B.), pp. 159–165. Armidale, NSW, Australia: University of New England.Google Scholar
Halling, M., Longland, A. C., Martens, S., Nesheim, L. & O'Kiely, P. (2005). Water soluble carbohydrate content of two cultivars of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) at eight European sites. In Proceedings of the 20th International Grassland Congress: Offered Papers (Eds O'Mara, F. P., Wilkins, R. J., 't Mannetje, L., Lovett, D. K., Rogers, P. A. M. & Boland, T. M.), pp. 131. Wageningen: Academic Publishers.Google Scholar
HFRO (1979). Science and Hill Farming HFRO 1954–1979. Edinburgh, UK: HFRO.Google Scholar
Hopkins, A., Wainwright, J., Murray, P. J., Bowling, P. J. & Webb, M. (1988). 1986 survey of upland grassland in England and Wales: changes in age structure and botanical composition since 1970–72 in relation to grassland management and physical features. Grass and Forage Science 43, 185–198.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Howard, H., O'Kiely, P., Conaghan, P. & O'Mara, F. P. (2003). Yield and chemical composition of six contrasting cultivars of Lolium perenne L. In Proceedings of the 7th British Grassland Society Research Conference, University of Wales, Aberystwyth, 1–3 September 2003 (Eds BGS Organising Committee), pp. 65–66. Reading, UK: BGS.Google Scholar
Humphreys, M. O. (1989). Water soluble carbohydrates in PRG breeding. 1. Genetic differences among cultivars and hybrid progeny grown as spaced plants. Grass and Forage Science 44, 231–236.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Humphreys, M. O. (2005). Genetic improvement of forage crops – past, present and future. Journal of Agricultural Science, Cambridge 143, 441–448.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Lawes Agricultural Trust (2005). GenStat 8.1 for Windows. Oxford, UK: Numerical Algorithms Group.Google Scholar
Lee, M. R. F., Brooks, A. E., Moorby, J. M., Humphreys, M. O., Theodorou, M. K., Macrae, J. C. & Scollan, N. D. (2002a). In vitro investigation into the nutritive value of Lolium perenne bred for an elevated concentration of water-soluble carbohydrate and the added effect of sample processing: freeze-dried and ground vs. frozen and thawed. Animal Research 51, 269–277.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Lee, M. R. F., Evans, R. T., Moorby, J. M., Humphreys, M. O., Theodorou, M. K., Macrae, J. C. & Scollan, N. D. (2001 a). Increased intake responses from beef steers zero-grazed on Lolium perenne selected for high levels of water soluble carbohydrate. In Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting, p. 86. Penicuik, UK: BSAS.Google Scholar
Lee, M. R. F., Harris, L. J., Moorby, J. M., Humphreys, M. O., Theodorou, M. K., Macrae, J. C. & Scollan, N. D. (2002 b). Rumen metabolism and nitrogen flow to the small intestine in steers offered Lolium perenne containing different levels of water-soluble carbohydrate. Animal Science 74, 587–596.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Lee, M. R. F., Jones, E. L., Moorby, J. M., Humphreys, M. O., Theodorou, M. K., Macrae, J. C. & Scollan, N. D. (2001 b). Production responses from lambs grazed on Lolium perenne selected for an elevated water-soluble carbohydrate concentration. Animal Research 50, 441–449.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Lee, M. R. F., Jones, E. L. & Scollan, N. D. (2003). Seasonal variation of two grazed Lolium perenne swards bred for different water-soluble carbohydrate concentrations. In Proceedings of the 7th British Grassland Society Research Conference, University of Wales, Aberystwyth, 1–3 September 2003 (Eds BGS Organising Committee), pp. 95–96. Reading, UK: BGS.Google Scholar
Marley, C. L., Davies, D. A., Vale, J. E., Evans, J. G., Scollan, N. D., Moorby, J. M., Macrae, J. C. & Theodorou, M. K. (2005 a). Effect of upland pastures sown with two contrasting Lolium perenne varieties on the performance of beef steers when compared to steers grazing permanent pasture. In Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science Annual Conference 2005, p. 194. Penicuik, UK: BSAS.Google Scholar
Marley, C. L., Fisher, W. J., Davies, D. W. R., Moorby, J. M., Macrae, J. C. & Theodorou, M. K. (2005 b). Effect of two contrasting ryegrass varieties and their management on the performance of finishing lambs. In Proceedings of British Society of Animal Science Annual Conference 2005, p. 142. Penicuik, UK: BSAS.Google Scholar
Maxwell, T. & Treacher, T. T. (1986). Decision rules for grassland management. In Efficient Sheep Production from Grass: Proceedings of a Conference Organised Jointly with the National Sheep Association held at Harrogate, North Yorkshire, 4–5 November 1986 (Ed. Pollott, G. E.), pp. 67–78. British Grassland Society Occasional Symposium 21. Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK: British Grassland Society.Google Scholar
Mayland, H. F., Shewmaker, G. E., Harrison, P. A. & Chatterton, N. J. (2000). Nonstructural carbohydrates in tall fescue cultivars: relationship to animal preference. Agronomy Journal 92, 1203–1206.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Mayne, C. S., Steen, R. W. J. & Vipond, J. E. (2000). Grazing management for profit. In Grazing Management: The Principles and Practice of Grazing, for Profit and Environmental Gain, within Temperate Grassland Systems (Eds Rook, A. J. & Penning, P. D.), pp. 201–210. BGS Occasional Symposium No. 34. Reading, UK: BGS.Google Scholar
Mcgrath, D. (1992). A note on the influence of nitrogen application and time of cutting on water soluble carbohydrate production by Italian ryegrass. Irish Journal of Agricultural and Food Research 31, 189–192.Google Scholar
Miller, L. A., Moorby, J. M., Davies, D. R., Humphreys, M. O., Scollan, N. D., Macrae, J. C. & Theodorou, M. K. (2001). Increased concentration of water-soluble carbohydrate in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.): milk production from late-lactation dairy cows. Grass and Forage Science 56, 383–394.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Miller, L. A., Theodorou, M. K., Macrae, J. C., Evans, R. T., Adesogan, A. T., Humphreys, M. O., Scollan, N. D. & Moorby, J. M. (1999). Milk production and N partitioning responses in dairy cows offered perennial ryegrass selected for high water soluble carbohydrate concentrations. South African Journal of Animal Science 29, 281–282.Google Scholar
Moorby, J. M., Miller, L. A., Evans, R. T., Scollan, N. D., Theodorou, M. K. & Macrae, J. C. (2001). Milk production and N partitioning in early lactation dairy cows offered perennial ryegrass containing a high concentration of water soluble carbohydrates. In Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science Annual Conference 2001, p. 6. Penicuik, UK: BSAS.Google Scholar
Munro, J. M. M., Davies, D. A., Evans, W. B. & Scurlock, R. V. (1992). Animal production evaluation of herbage varieties. 1. Comparison of Aurora with Frances, Talbot, and Melle perennial ryegrasses when grown alone and with clover. Grass and Forage Science 47, 259–273.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Newbould, P. (1974). Improvement of hill pastures for agriculture: a review. Part 1. Journal of the British Grassland Society 29, 241–247.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Newbould, P. (1975). The improvement of hill pastures for agriculture. Part 2. Journal of the British Grassland Society 30, 41–44.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
NIAB (2002). Recommended Varieties of Grasses and Herbage Legumes. Cambridge, UK: National Institute of Agricultural Botany.Google Scholar
O'Kiely, P., Conaghan, P., Howard, H., Moloney, A. & Black, A. (2005). End of Project Report; Grazing and Ensiling of Energy-Rich Grasses with Elevated Sugar Contents for the Sustainable Production of Ruminant Livestock (Acronym; SweetGrass). Beef Production Series No. 80. Dunsay, Co. Meath, Ireland: Grange Livestock Research Centre.Google Scholar
Peyraud, J. L. & Astigarraga, L. (1998). Review of the effect of nitrogen fertilization on the chemical composition, intake, digestion and nutritive value of fresh herbage: consequences on animal nutrition and N balance. Animal Feed Science and Technology 72, 235–259.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Radojevic, I., Simpson, R. J., St John, J. A. & Humphreys, M. O. (1994). Chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of lines of Lolium perenne selected for high concentrations of water-soluble carbohydrate. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 45, 901–912.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Rudeforth, C. C., Hartnup, R., Lea, J. W., Thompson, T. R. E. & Wright, P. S. (1984). Soils and their Use in Wales. Bulletin No. 11, Harpenden, Herts, UK: Soil Survey of England and Wales.Google Scholar
Salisbury, F. B. & Ross, C. W. (1992). Plant Physiology, 4th ed. Belmont, California: Wadsworth Publishing Company.Google Scholar
Smith, K. F., Simpson, R. J., Oram, R. N., Lowe, K. F., Kelly, K. B., Evans, P. M. & Humphreys, M. O. (1998). Seasonal variation in the herbage yield and nutritive value of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) cultivars with high or normal herbage water-soluble carbohydrate concentrations grown in three contrasting Australian dairy environments. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 38, 821–830.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Thomas, T. A. (1977). An automated procedure for the determination of soluble carbohydrates in herbage. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 28, 639–642.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Tilley, J. M. A. & Terry, R. A. (1963). A two-stage technique for the in vitro digestion of forage crops. Journal of the British Grassland Society 18, 104–111.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Valk, H., Leusink-Kappers, I. E. & Van Vuuren, A. M. (2000). Effect of reducing nitrogen fertilizer on grassland on grass intake, digestibility and milk production of dairy cows. Livestock Production Science 63, 27–38.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Van Soest, P. J., Robertson, J. B. & Lewis, B. A. (1991). Methods for dietary fiber, neutral detergent fibre, and nonstarch polysaccharides in relation to animal nutrition. Journal of Dairy Science 74, 3583–3597.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Van Soest, P. J. & Wine, R. H. (1967). Use of detergents in the analysis of fibrous feeds IV. Determination of plant cell wall constituents. Journal of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists 50, 50–55.Google Scholar
Waldo, D. R. (1986). Effect of forage quality on intake and forage-concentrate interactions. Journal of Dairy Science 69, 617–631.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Waterhouse, T., Gardner, S. M., Pearce-Higgins, J. & Grant, M. (2006). How might CAP reform influence land management, moorland vegetation, birds, economy and employment? International Journal of Biodiversity Science and Management 2, 235–237.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Wilkins, P. W. (1991). Breeding perennial ryegrass for agriculture. Euphytica 52, 201–214.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Wilkins, P. W. & Humphreys, M. O. (2003). Progress in breeding perennial forage grasses for temperate agriculture. Journal of Agricultural Science, Cambridge 140, 129–150.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Wilman, D., Byrne, S. A. & Owen, H. L. (2001). Long-term persistence of Lolium perenne and Trifolium repens in sown hill swards. Journal of Agricultural Science, Cambridge 137, 319–327.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Wulfes, R., Nyman, P. & Kornher, A. (1999). Modelling non-structural carbohydrates in forage grasses with weather data. Agricultural Systems 61, 1–16.CrossRefGoogle Scholar