Grass Quality Pays Dividends

It is important not only to grow more grass but to grow more grass of better quality to improve the performance of animals from forage. One key measure of grass quality is D-value.

Although it is often thought there is a compromise between getting a good yield and not allowing quality to fall too much, some varieties are bred specifically to reduce this problem. The Fane Valley and Morton’s grass seed mixtures include these varieties. A drop of one unit of D-value can result in a loss of 5% in animal performance. Young leafy grass will have a D value in excess of 70% but once the stem begins to extend this can fall to 67% and when seed is set the D-value can be 60% or lower. Importantly there is a direct link between metabolisable energy (ME) and D-value.

1 unit of D-value = 0.17 MJ/kg ME

As a guide 1 litre of milk is the equivalent to 5.4 MJ ME or 1kg live weight gain in beef is the equivalent of 40 MJ ME. It is therefore important to improve the quality of the grass being grazed or ensiled on farm to ensure maximum performance and profitability from animals.

Aber High Sugar Grasses (HSG) have been bred specifically for increased levels of water soluble carbohydrate (sugar), compared to standard diploid perennials. Research has consistently shown a 14% increase in sugar which translates to higher grass ME and therefore improved animal performance.

Aber® High Sugar Grass for milk production

Results of several studies conducted on commercial dairy farms and by IBERS at Aberystwyth show that grass protein is used more efficiently for milk production when extra energy is provided by feeding HSG varieties.

Aber® High Sugar Grass for beef production

Research involved beef steers offered either a HSG or a recommended control ryegrass variety. No additional feed was given, grass intakes and live weight gains were monitored regularly.

Aber® High Sugar Grass for lamb production

In both upland and lowland situations, IBERS grazing trials have shown HSG varieties to be superior in terms of animal performance when compared with standard grass swards.

It is the most effective, broad spectrum weed control solution for grassland. Use it on permanent pastures or grazing leys to control long established or high populations of weeds.

It is your cost effective alternative to a full re-seed, quickly increasing the amount of available grass.

Forefront® T is a high performance herbicide. It is the most effective, broad spectrum weed control solution for grassland. Use it on permanent pastures or grazing leys to control long established or high populations of weeds.

Forefront® T is a high performance herbicide. It is the most effective, broad spectrum weed control solution for grassland. Use it on permanent pastures or grazing leys to control long established or high populations of weeds.

Let your grass breathe again. Talk to your advisor or find out more at corteva.co.uk

It is your cost effective alternative to a full re-seed, quickly increasing the amount of available grass. Let your grass breathe again. Talk to your advisor or find out more at corteva.co.uk

It is your cost effective alternative to a full re-seed, quickly increasing the amount of available grass.

Let your grass breathe again. Talk to your advisor or find out more at corteva.co.uk