Grazing Effects on Herbage Mass and Composition in Grass–Birdsfoot Trefoil Mixtures

Abstract

Grass–legume mixtures have the ability to supply more consistent forage yields across a wide range of environments throughout the grazing season than do grass monocultures. The suitability of diverse grass species in binary mixtures with birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) in rotational stocking systems has not been extensively studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate binary mixtures of five cool‐season grasses with the birdsfoot trefoil cultivar Norcen for herbage mass, botanical composition, and cattle (Bos taurus) grazing preference under a rotational stocking. Experiments were established at Lake City and Chatham, MI, in 1994. Binary mixtures were grazed for 2 yr with beef or dairy cows three times yearly at predetermined periods from spring to fall. Total herbage dry mass production ranged from 3 to 10 Mg ha−1 yr−1 over two years and locations. The grass fraction in binary mixtures was 327 to 946 g kg−1 in swards over two years and locations. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) failed to persist at Lake City, probably due to less consistent snow cover. Birdsfoot trefoil fraction was highest in binary mixtures with smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss) and timothy (Phleum pratense L.). Binary mixtures with orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) produced the highest herbage biomass but were less preferred by grazing animals while binary mixtures with timothy and smooth bromegrass were associated with the highest apparent herbage utilization at both locations (84–100%).

Seasonal changes in herbage mass and nutritive value of a range of grazed legume swards under Mediterranean and cool temperate conditions

“…For northern areas of Europe, in addition to an extended role for red clover under grazing, recent experience with birdsfoot trefoil ( Lotus corniculatus) suggests there is considerable potential for this species particularly in low‐input systems and to take advantage of its nutritional properties associated with condensed tannins (Alison and Hoveland, 1989; Douglas et al. , 1995; Leep et al. , 2002).…”

Forage Production of Grass–Legume Binary Mixtures on Intermountain Western USA Irrigated Pastures

“…In addition to the production benefits of forage legumes, their forage nutritive value is important. This potential for yield compensation by legumes can be instrumental in improving the seasonal distribution of forage and increasing the capacity of a pasture to support livestock grazing throughout the summer (Leep et al, 2002;Lauriault et al, 2006). Multiple studies have shown that grass-legume mixtures improve crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content in forage compared with the grass monocultures (Malhi et al, 2002;Zemenchik et al, 2002;Kopp et al, 2003;Deak et al, 2007;Kleen et al, 2011) Forage legumes commonly used in grass-legume mixtures, such as alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) (ALF) and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) (BFTF), are productive during summer months when cool-season grass production is low.…”

Performance of Irrigated Tall Fescue–Legume Communities under Two Grazing Frequencies in the Southern Rocky Mountains, USA

“…Hay management differs from grazing in selectivity (Edwards et al, 1996) and is typically less frequent in defoliation (Beuselinck et al, 1994). Animal selectivity of regrowth can lead to overgrazing of some species or areas, permitting invasion by non‐planted species, while other areas or species are underutilized (Barker et al, 2002; Beuselinck et al, 1994). Additionally, grazing animals can leave shorter stubble if forced to maximize forage utilization (Beuselinck et al, 1994), exposing susceptible plant parts to excessive heat or light (Harris et al, 1999).…”