Utilization and preference rating of various subtropical pasture species and mixtures.

Abstract

The percentage utilization and preference demonstrated by Bonsmara beef cows was measrued twice (December 1976 and March 1977) on 18 subtropical grasses, legumes and grass-legume mixtures under supplemental spray irrigation. Clipping before and after grazing, with a two to three day period of stay, was carried out on six week old regrowth. Degree of utilization based on a six point scale was recorded twice daily, thereby allowing preference ratings to be related to time and grazing pressure. The following average rating of preference, in descending order, was obtained: Digitaria milanjinana, Panicum maximum cv. Sabi, Medicago sativa, Panicum coloratum cv. Makarikari, P. coloratum cv. Bushman Mine, Sabi Panicum/Glycine wightii, Brachiaria brizantha, Cynodon dactylon cv. Coast Cross I, C. nlemfuensis cv. Estcourt, Pennisetum clandestinum cv. Whittet, Anthephora pubescens, Cenchrus ciliaris cv. Molopo, C. ciliaris/Siratro, Vigna vexilata, Macroptilium atropurpureum cv. Siratro, Eragrostis curvula/V. vexiliata, G. wightii, E. curvula cv. Ermelo

Keywords: anthephora pubescens; brachiaria brizantha; cenchrus ciliaris; clipping; cows; cynodon dactylon; cynodon nlemfuensis; digitaria milanjinana; glycine wightii; grasses; grazing; grazing pressure; irrigation; legume; legumes; medicago sativa; panicum coloratum; panicum maximum; pasture; pennisetum clandestinum; percentage utilization; preference; preference rating; regrowth; subtropical grasses; utilization; vigna vexiliata