Angora goat production from different legumes mixed with
ryegrass
D.R. Stevens, M.J. Casey, R.J. Lucas, G.S. Baxter, K.B. Miller
AgResearch, Gore Research Centre, Private Bag 50022, Gore, New
Zealand
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production.
1992, 52: 97-100
The liveweight gain, carrying capacity and total animal
production from different pastures grazed by year old angora type wether
goats were assessed during the spring, summer and autumn of two years.
'Grasslands Nui' perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) was sown
with 'Grasslands Tahora' white clover (Trifolium repens L.),
'Grasslands Pawera' red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), or
'Grasslands Maku' lotus (Lotus pendunculatus Cav.) in December
1988 and measurements began in September 1989. Goat liveweight gain in
spring was similar on all treatments averaging 130g/hd/day. Summer
liveweight gain on red clover was 76g/hd/day, greater than the average
of 56g/hd/day for white clover and lotus pastures. Autumn liveweight
gains were not significantly different averaging 44g/hd/day. Carrying
capacity was lowest on lotus pastures in all seasons. White clover
pastures had the highest carrying capacity in all seasons though only
significantly greater than red clover in autumn. No differences in
total animal production per hectare were found in spring. Red clover,
however, had 45% more animal production in summer than white clover or
lotus pastures. This increased production was attributed to a greater
consumption of legume due to both the dominance of red clover in the
upper sward horizons and an active selection of red clover by the goats.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
White clover; red clover; lotus; ryegrass; liveweight gain;
carrying capacity; total animal production; pasture parameters
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Last Updated 25-01-1997
