2004/S07 Winning Against Seeds in SE of SA
| Project start date: | 04 November 2005 |
| Project end date: | 31 May 2009 |
| Publication date: | 01 May 2009 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Sheep, Goat, Lamb, Grassfed cattle, Grainfed cattle |
| Relevant regions: | National |
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Summary
By removing the grasses from lucerne pasture through winter cleaning, producers are left with a highly digestible, high protein and low neutral detergent fibre pasture, which in turn causes animal deaths and relatively poor daily live weight gains due to animal health problems. Health problems may include redgut and bloat, and nutrient problems such as protein overload and ammonia toxicity.
Winter cleaning of pure lucerne stands on sandy soils can also result in the loss of topsoil through drift, as well as leaving significant bare areas subject to further weed invasions.
It is believed that identification of appropriate companion species for lucerne can overcome these health and environmental issues and provide a more balanced and productive pasture for livestock as well as providing greater competition for silver grass.
More information
| Project manager: | Richard Apps |
| Contact email: | reports@mla.com.au |
| Primary researcher: | South Australia Lamb Development |
