Tagasaste

Summary

Project Outcomes

1. Quantify intake of tagasaste throughout the year and under various supplementation and integrated management systems.

2. Assess the role of anti-nutrients such as phenolic compounds on intake and rumen function.

3. Measure the effect of nitrogen, energy and phosphorus supplements on ruminal protein, ammonia and volatile fatty acids and their consequences for energy metabolism and live-weight gain in cattle and sheep.

4. Optimise the introduction and management of supplements.

5. Quantify the production effects of alternative pasture systems complementary to tagasaste.

6. Assess the meat quality of beef produced on tagasaste by using AUS-MEAT parameters and muscle glycogen.

By December 2000, there were four interdependent hypotheses tested.

1. By December 2000, to determine whether the lack of growth of animals grazing tagasaste during the summer and autumn period is due to an inadequate intake of tagasaste.

2. As a result of (i), determine whether the lack of growth is associated with low concentrations of ruminal volatile fatty acids and nitrogenous constituents, such as ammonia and microbial protein, resulting in poor energy and nitrogen balance and possibly other nutrient deficiencies.

3. To determine whether supplying appropriate supplements (nitrogen, energy or phosphorus) presented as cereal grains, grain legumes, silages, or hay and/or mineral mixes will overcome the lack of growth and hence, lead to more acceptable year-round live-weight gain in animals grazing tagasaste.

4. To determine if the use of alternative feed management systems, such as perennial pasture, salt bush or emerging leguminous species such as serradellas, will enhance the productivity, sustainability and flexibility of a tagasaste production system.