Abstract
Lotus corniculatus (Birdsfoot trefoil, 'Grassland Goldie') may have a role in dryland pastoral systems in New Zealand, but there is little information available on its production under sheep grazing in these conditions. Dry matter (DM) production of L. corniculatus was measured monthly for 2 consecutive years in a systems approach experiment comparing it with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)/white clover (Trifolium repens) pasture in the Wairarapa on the east coast of the North Island. The total DM produced for 2 years was 8.5 and 10.5 t /ha for L. corniculatus compared with 7.3 and 9.9 t /ha for pasture. Also, the moderate concentration of CT (18- 29 g/kg DM) in L. corniculatus has been shown to increase sheep productivity (Wang et al. 1996ab; Min et al. 1999, 2001). This production advantage, combined with improved sheep performance, supports the potential use of L. corniculatus as a specialist forage in dryland areas. Key words: condensed tannins, perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenne, white clover, Trifolium repens, pasture.
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