Palatability to sheep of the Eragrostis curvula complex. 2. Selection of palatable taxa

Johnston, WH

doi:10.1071/ea9880047

Cited by 7 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…The post-grazing utilization scores appropriately indicated the relative amounts of available forage consumed. Johnston (1988aJohnston ( , 1988b also found this approach to be suitable for determining the palatability of Eragrostis curvulu to sheep. In a study of preference of cattle for Punicum taxa, Burns et al (1988) also found that scores could be used to assess animal preference for plant species.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

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Utilization of Globemallow (Sphaeralcea) Taxa by Sheep

Rumbaugh¹,

Mayland²,

Pendery³

et al. 1993

Journal of Range Management

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Globemallows (Sphoeralcea spp.) are well adapted to semiarid and arid environments. They are potentially useful as the forb component of seeding mixtures for rangeland improvement in the western states. However, the degree of acceptability of globemallow forage to livestock has not been well established. We tested 13 globemallow accessions representing 4 species and compared their utilization by sheep (Ovis &es) with that of crested wheatgrass [Agropyron cristutum (L.) Gaertn. X A. desertotwm (Fisch.) Schult.] and alfalfa (Medicogo sutiva L.) during fall 1988 and 1989, and spring 1990 and 1991. Alfalfa consistently produced more forage per plant than wheatgrass or globemallows, and a greater portion of the alfalfa was eaten than of the other species. Sheep utilized wheatgrass more than globemallows in the fall, but the converse was true during spring pasturing. Over the 4 years, sheep ate similar proportions of wheatgrass and individual globemallows. The percentage of S. coccineu (Pursh) Rydb. forage consumed equaled that of crested wheatgrass or alfalfa in the fall but did not equal the percentage of alfalfa consumed in spring. However, S. coccheu produced much less total forage than the other species evaluated. Pre-grazing plant dry weight, dry matter content, and the occurrence of rust caused by Puccineu shemrdiunu Kiirn were negatively associated with globemallow utilization. Over-winter mortality of grazed globemallow exceeded that of ungrazed plants. Crested wheatgrass and alfalfa stands were not reduced by grazing. Globemallows are acceptable, but not highly preferred, forbs which can be seeded in environments where alfalfa and other more desirable species are not adapted.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

“…Four observers scored each plant on a scale which ranged from 0 = no use to 5 q 100% use. The procedure was similar to that used by Johnston (1988aJohnston ( , 1988b to assess palatability of a grass taxa complex.…”

Section: Plant Measurementsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Utilization of Globemallow (Sphaeralcea) Taxa by Sheep

Rumbaugh¹,

Mayland²,

Pendery³

et al. 1993

Journal of Range Management

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“…The palatability of E. curvula is low to moderate, although with appropriate management this can be improved (Firn, 2009). Between populations and varieties, the palatability significantly varies with the Consol variety being the most palatable (Firn, 2009; Johnston, 1988; Leigh, 1961). However, as the mature biomass develops on the plant it becomes less palatable and its digestibility decreases from 65% to less than 40% and crude proteins from 18% to 4% (Shoop et al, 1976).…”

Section: Biology and Ecologymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This is due to the increase in lignification, where the process of polymerisation leads to lignin macromolecules to grow, ultimately making the cell walls tougher and less palatable (Haplin, 2004). Around the world, E. curvula is often grazed by several herbivores such as cattle, deer, horses, rabbits and sheep, particularly when it is the only available plant species at a site (Diggs et al, 1999; Johnston, 1988). To prevent mature biomass from developing and to increase its palatability, E. curvula is often rotationally grazed (or seasonally burned) and regularly fertilised or irrigated (Firn et al, 2010a; Klett et al, 1971).…”

Section: Biology and Ecologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Germination biology, distribution and control of the invasive species Eragrostis curvula [Schard. Nees] (African Lovegrass): A global synthesis of current and future management challenges

et al. 2021

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Eragrostis curvula [Schrad. Nees] (African Lovegrass) is an invasive C 4 perennial grass that threatens the multifunctionality of agricultural landscapes in Australia, including agricultural productivity and biodiversity (Firn, 2009;Godfree et al., 2017). It is often described as an undesirable and moderately palatable species that is commonly found on lighter sandy soils along coastal areas within Australia; however, it can also be found further inland if conditions are suitable (Godfree et al., 2017;Roberts et al., 2021). When established, E. curvula can form dense swards that increase its competitiveness towards other species (Firn, 2009;Firn et al., 2010b;Johnston, 1989;Muyt, 2001). Further, research has shown that E. curvula has a strong allelopathic potential which may explain its dominance in grasslands (Ghebrehiwot et al., 2013). These swards can also lead to agricultural loss, a decline in co-occurring native species diversity and an increase in fire frequency and intensity, all of which can result in economic and environmental degradation of

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Eragrostis curvula (Schrad.) Nees. complex pastures in southern New South Wales, Australia: a comparison with Medicago sativa L. and Phalaris aquatica L. pastures under rotational grazing

Johnston

Cornish

Shoemark

2005

Aust. J. Exp. Agric.

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A grazing experiment conducted in Wagga Wagga (New South Wales) from September 1993 to September 1998 compared the productivity of pastures containing 3 palatable types of summer-active Eragrostis curvula complex, with pastures containing either Medicago sativa or Phalaris aquatica. Issues relating to the management of E. curvula pastures were also investigated. Herbage growth rates of the P. aquatica and M. sativa pastures were highest in winter and spring; E. curvula pastures were most productive in summer and autumn. Stocking rates equivalent to 30–40 dry sheep were carried by the pastures during their growing seasons. Throughout the study, the pastures were dominated by their respective sown perennial species, however, a suite of desirable and undesirable annual grasses and annual legumes usually contributed >20% of total herbage mass in spring. The P. aquatica pasture contained a higher proportion of weedy species than the other pastures, especially C4 grasses and broadleafed species, and towards the end of the experiment it was also invaded by several native perennial grasses. Overall, the wool yield from the M. sativa pasture was 0.5–1.0 kg/animal.year higher than the other pastures. Management to minimise herbage accumulation on the E. curvula pastures was a key issue, and provided that pastures were grazed heavily, this was achieved by the rotational grazing strategy used in the experiment. It was concluded that palatable varieties of E. curvula have a useful and complementary role as perennial pastures in southern Australia. By increasing herbage availability in summer and autumn, E. curvula may improve management flexibility for a wide range of pastures that are commonly grown on farms.

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Palatability to sheep of the Eragrostis curvula complex. 2. Selection of palatable taxa

Cited by 7 publications

References 7 publications

Utilization of Globemallow (Sphaeralcea) Taxa by Sheep

Utilization of Globemallow (Sphaeralcea) Taxa by Sheep

Germination biology, distribution and control of the invasive species Eragrostis curvula [Schard. Nees] (African Lovegrass): A global synthesis of current and future management challenges

Eragrostis curvula (Schrad.) Nees. complex pastures in southern New South Wales, Australia: a comparison with Medicago sativa L. and Phalaris aquatica L. pastures under rotational grazing

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