CATTLE NUTRITION ▶▶▶
Exploring the benefits of perennial legumes
The perennial legumes lucerne, red clover and white clover tend to increase nutritive value and milk production response of grass-based diets. That is an outcome of research by the 3030 Project, an initiative of Dairy Australia.
BY RENÉ GROENEVELD O
ne of the aims of the project was to explore for- age alternatives to complement perennial ryegrass production on dairy farms in southern Australia. The 3030 project aims to help farmers
achieve a 30% improvement in farm profit by increasing con- sumption of home-grown forage by 30% (pasture plus crop).
Dairy Australia emphasises that soil moisture and higher tem- peratures in the Australian summer not only cause a decline in the growth of perennial ryegrass but also reduce its nutri- tional value. Perennial legumes such as red clover and lu- cerne are more adapted to grow under drought conditions than most perennial grasses, says Dairy Australia. The nutri- tional value of these species is less affected in summer than perennial ryegrass. The research found quite a few benefits of feeding legumes compared to pure grass-based diets. The milk and milk solids
production increase and methane emissions are reduced. Ni- trogen is used more efficiently. These responses are usually due to the higher dry matter intake of cows fed legumes and the higher nutritional value of the legumes.
Monoculture Deep-rooted perennial legumes such as red clover and lu- cerne can respond very well to summer rainfall in Australia and also have the potential to reach water deep in the soil profile. These species are able to keep growing when most pasture species, and perennial ryegrass in particular, are already under water stress and have stopped growing. Lucerne is usually grown as a monoculture, according to Dairy Australia. It has been sown with species like red clover and chicory, but they do not complement each other since they all grow predominantly in late spring and summer. On most Australian dairy farms, lucerne is harvested for hay or silage on outblocks. However, it has been proven in north- ern Victoria that, with the right management in place, this species can be grazed all year round. Most specialists advise a soil test before sowing lucerne. This species does not tolerate acid soils with high aluminium. Lu- cerne does not do well when sown too deep. The seed should be covered by 1–2cm of soil. Using a roller after sowing helps to get good seed–soil contact on lighter soils. For higher rainfall southern regions, spring sowing of lucerne
On most Australian dairy farms, lucerne is harvested for hay or silage on outblocks.
20 ▶ ALL ABOUT FEED | Volume 29, No. 7, 2021
Red clover grows well with other temperate pasture grasses such as ryegrass.
PHOTO:
PIXABAY.COM
PHOTO: JOSEPH VARY
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