Forage Potential of Kura Clover and Birdsfoot Trefoil when Grazed by Sheep

Abstract

Kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum M. Bieb.) is a rhizomatous perennial legume that has not been adequately evaluated in the USA under grazing. Our objective was to compare kura clover and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) persistence and productivity when seeded in monoculture and in a binary mixture and grazed by lambs. A controlled, high herbage allowance (mean of 7.4% of lamb body weight in forage dry matter per day) was applied for 4 yr to pastures on a Waukegan silt loam (fine‐silty over sandy, mixed, mesic Typic Hapludoll). Initial seeded legume composition of monocultures was >95%, while the composition of the kura clover‐birdsfoot trefoil mixture was initially 10 and 90%, respectively. By the fourth year of grazing, the kura clover monoculture and mixture had >99% kura clover, while the birdsfoot trefoil monoculture had only 20% birdsfoot trefoil (80% broadleaf weeds). At the initiation of grazing, kura clover had 20% greater leafiness and higher forage quality than birdsfoot trefoil. Animal days per hectare and liveweight gain per hectare were initially similar for the legume monocultures and mixtures, but by the fourth year were 105% and 86% greater, respectively, for the kura clover dominated mixture and the kura clover monoculture than for the birdsfoot trefoil monoculture. Average daily lamb gain was similar (4‐yr mean of 199 g per lamb) for the treatments each year. Seeding with birdsfoot trefoil did not reduce the incidence of lamb bloat (6%) that occurred on kura clover pastures when kura clover comprised 20% or more of the mixture. Kura clover has potential as a pasture legume in the northern USA because of its excellent persistence, ability to spread, and high forage quality. Additional evaluation of animal performance under lower herbage allowance and on determination of kura clover compatibility with grasses in mixtures is warranted.

Comparative performance of Caucasian clover(Trifolium ambiguumcv. Monaro) after 11 years under low‐input conditions in south‐eastern Australia

“…Although slow to establish, the hexaploid forms of this species have shown a high level of persistence and productivity (discounting year of establishment) across a range of environments when compared to other temperate perennial legumes (Spencer et al 1975;Spencer & Hely 1982;Dear& Zorin 1985;Sheaffer & Marten 1991;Sheaffer et al 1992;Allan & Keoghan 1994;Strachan et al 1994). Although some modelling of the potential distribution of this legume has been attempted , there remains significant doubt as to the true range of its adaptation as few trials outside high altitude areas (> 800 m) have been reported.…”

Content of Crude Protein, Crude Fiber and Crude Ash in Dry Mass of Birdsfoot Trefoil Varieties and Populations

“…A number of researchers (Sheaffer еt al., 1984;McGraw, 1988;Sheaffer еt al. ;1992;Cassida еt al, 2000) emphasized the high content of crude protein in the above-ground parts of birdsfoot trefoil, which is determined to a great extent by the degree of plant leafiness. The lower crude fiber content of the forage is an indicator of its better quality.…”

Rebrota de Lotus spp. de diferentes hábitos de crescimento

“…Segundo Sheaffer et al (1992), o hábito de crescimento também pode refletir na capacidade de rebrota e no tempo de vida útil da planta. Em estudo com Trifolium ambiguum M.…”

“…Esse processo depende das condições ambientais, como temperatura, umidade e fertilidade do solo, assim como de suas condições morfofisiológicas por ocasião do corte. Entre os caracteres morfofisiológicos que condicionam o potencial da rebrota e influenciam a taxa de crescimento das forrageiras, destacam-se o nível de carboidratos de reserva da planta, a altura dos pontos de crescimento em relação ao plano de corte, a área foliar remanescente e o número e a viabilidade de gemas basilares (Brougham, 1956; Brown et al, 1966).Segundo Sheaffer et al (1992), o hábito de crescimento também pode refletir na capacidade de rebrota e no tempo de vida útil da planta. Em estudo com Trifolium ambiguum M.…”