COMPARATIVE STUDIES OF PERENNIAL RYEGRASS, TIMOTHY AND MEADOW FESCUE

Abstract

The voluntary intake by calves of perennial ryegrass, timothy and meadow fescue, when cut with a flail‐type forage harvester and fed fresh, was measured. In 1963 a single management was used and rest periods between cuttings were of 10 or 11 days in April and May and 21 days in June to October. In 1964 the effects of managements with long (35–55 days) and short (15–25 days) rest periods were compared. The increases in rest periods within managements were made in June or July. The voluntary intake of the 3 grass species was not significantly different and the live‐weight gains made on the species were similar in both years. Digestibility of all species was higher with the short rest periods than with the long ones and this resulted in higher intakes and liveweight gains from the short‐rest‐period management.