The Seasonal Nutritional Value of Kikuyu Oversown With Ryegrass and Clover

To overcome the seasonality and relatively low forage quality of kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum), annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum spp.), perennial white (Trifolium repens) and red clover (Trifolium pratense) can be incorporated into an existing kikuyu stand to improve pasture quality and spring production. The aim of this study was to determine the quality of kikuyu (K), kikuyu oversown with annual ryegrass (KR), kikuyu oversown with a mixture of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and perennial white and red clover (KRC) and kikuyu oversown with a mixture of white and red clover (KC), in swards grazed by dairy cows

The Seasonal Dry Matter Production and Carrying Capacity of Kikuyu Oversown With Ryegrass and Clover

In the main milk producing areas of the Southern Cape, kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) is considered an important summer and autumn pasture which is climatologically well adapted. The main problem experienced with kikuyu is that winter and spring production is low and the exclusion of legumes make it dependent of nitrogen fertiliser and that increases the input cost. The aim of the study was to quantify the seasonal dry matter (DM) yield and carrying capacity of kikuyu (K) through treatments involving kikuyu oversown with annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum spp.) (KR), kikuyu oversown with a mixture of perennial ryegrass (L. perenne) and perennial white (Trifolium repens) and red (Trifolium pratense) clovers (KRC) and kikuyu oversown with a mixture of only perennial white and red clovers (KC)

A comparison of the yield, nutritional value and predicted production potential of different maize hybrids for silage production

The yield, nutritional value and production potential of silage made from twenty one maize hybrids was compared. The digestibility of organic matter and predicted intake, mean retention time and milk production potential were found to differ between hybrids (p < 0.05). Acid detergent fibre content could not be used to accurately predict the metabolizable energy content of silage. (South African Journal of Animal Science, 2000, 30(1): 18-21

The Evaluation of Kikuyu Oversown With Ryegrass and Clover in Terms of Milk Production

Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) comprises the greater part of irrigated summer and autumn pasturage for milk production in the Southern Cape. Milk production per cow is limited by low forage quality. The aim of the study was to determine the milk production from kikuyu (K), kikuyu oversown with annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum spp. cv Energa) (KR), kikuyu oversown with a mixture of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne cv Yatsyn, Dobson) and perennial white clover (Trifolium repens cv Haifa, Waverley) and red clover (Trifolium pratense cv Kenland, Cherokee) (KRC) and kikuyu oversown with a mixture of perennial white and red clover (KC). The trial was carried out under irrigation using Jersey cows in a put-and-take grazing system. Fertiliser was applied to raise phosphorus level to 35 mg/kg, potash level to 80 mg/kg and the pH (KCl) to 5.5. No nitrogen fertiliser was applied to the KC and KRC pastures

The Seasonal Botanical Composition, Calcium and Phosphorus Content of Kikuyu Oversown With Ryegrass and Clover

Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) is one of the major grasses used for summer and autumn grazing in the Southern Cape coast area of South Africa. Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum spp.), perennial white (Trifolium repens) and red clover (Trifolium pratense) can be incorporated into an existing kikuyu stand to improve pasture quality and spring production. The aim of this study was to determine the persistence of these species and effects on the calcium and phosphorus content of kikuyu (K), kikuyu oversown with annual ryegrass (KR), kikuyu oversown with a mixture of perennial ryegrass (L. perenne) and perennial white and red clovers (KRC) and kikuyu oversown with a mixture of perennial white and red clovers (KC)

The effect of adding a lactic acid bacterial inoculant to big round-bale oat silage on intake, milk production and milk composition of Jersey cows

(South African J of Animal Science, 2000, 30, Supplement 1: 80-81