Interrelationships between the factors influencing the intake and digestibility of forage by ruminants.

Intake is more important than digestibility as a criterion for animal performance. Digestibility, however, has a controlling influence on intake. High digestibility of feed goes with high intake so that voluntary intake of a feed is an index of its nutritive worth. Intake is critically influenced by the amount of feed available and both intake and digestibility of forage are influenced by other management factors such as species and the stage of maturity. Digestibility is negatively correlated with ageing, but ageing is positively correlated with yield so that the most economical growth period before harvest for the farmer is a compromise between digestibility and yield.Keywords: ageing; animal performance; digestibility; forage; growth; intake; performance; south africa; yiel

Italian ryegrass as a perennial fodder crop.

Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) may be re-established from seedfall if the appropriate management practices are applied, and may thus function as a perennial fodder crop. Annual seedbed preparation and seeding are eliminated in this way.Keywords: botany; fodder; grasses; italian ryegrass; lolium multiflorum; management; ryegrass; seeding; weed contro

Response of Eragrostis curvula to differences in the seasonal distribution of nitrogen fertiliser.

The seasonal distribution of nitrogen fertiliser to Eragrostis curvula pastures at two sites in Natal did not exert much influence on forage production when large quantities were applied over the season (250 kg n/ha/a). However, when of this amount was applied early in the season (June), with a declining proportion being applied in early- and mid-summer.Keywords: distribution; eragrostis curvula; forage; forage production; natal; pastures; production; seasonal distribution; south afric