Effect of sod-seeding bloat-free legumes on pasture productivity, steer performance, and production economics

Abstract

A five-year experiment evaluated the effects of sod-seeding sainfoin and cicer milkvetch into monoculture grass (Lanigan, SK) or legume (Lethbridge, AB) stands on pasture productivity, steer performance, and economics. At Lanigan, sainfoin decreased (treatment × year P = 0.01) from 13% in yr 1 to 2% in yr 2 (% plant population) and did not differ thereafter, while cicer milkvetch, maintained a proportion of 16% in the stand. Forage yield was greater (treatment × year; P < 0.01) in yr 1 in the sainfoin and cicer milkvetch treatments compared to control. DMI of steers was greater only in yr 5 and ADG was greater (P < 0.01) in sainfoin and cicer milkvetch treatments compared to control. At Lethbridge, sainfoin decreased (treatment × year; P = 0.01) from 46 to 17% (% DM yield), while cicer milkvetch maintained its proportion at 11%. Forage yield increased (treatment × year; P < 0.01) only in yr 2 and 3 of sainfoin, compared to cicer milkvetch or control. ADG gain was not affected by treatment. At Lanigan, sainfoin and cicer milkvetch generated greater gross returns compared to control; however, once establishment costs were applied there were no differences in present value of net returns.

A review of sod-seeding for pasture improvement in Saskatchewan, Canada

“…Sod-seeded sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) as well as CMV established at Lanigan, Saskatchewan but did not persist as well a er 5 years of grazing [10].…”

“…When several legume species were compared for sod-seeding in semi-arid southwestern Saskatchewan, alfalfa established most successfully and was most productive [19]. Sweet clover (Melilotus o cinalis L.) and Cicer milkvetch (CMV) (Astragalus cicer L.) have worked well in some sod-seeding experiments in Saskatchewan [4,10], especially in the Black and Grey soil zone locations. Sod-seeded sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.)…”

“…In the sub-humid Black and Grey soil zones, Waddington and Bowren reported successful seedling establishment at Pathlow SK during summer, if the seeding occurred within two weeks of the herbicide vegetation control [11]. Other reports indicate successful sod-seeding in these soil zones [9,10,[12][13][14]20]. Schellenberg reported that forage yield was less a er rejuvenation treatments at St. Walberg, SK [15].…”

“…Kelln et al examined the live weight gain of beef steers grazing the sod-seeded sainfoin or cicer milkvetch and reported increased beef production compared to the control treatment [10]. ey also concluded that net returns were not di erent because the increase in beef production was not great enough to cover the additional cost of sod-seeding.…”