Steer Performance on Kura Clover–Grass and Red Clover–Grass Mixed Pastures

Abstract

Assessment of cattle performance on grazed kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum M. Bieb.) has not been reported in USA. This study was conducted to compare steer performance on kura clover–grass (KC–G) and red clover (T. pratense L.)–grass (RC–G) mixed pastures. Pastures were rotationally stocked with Holstein (Bos taurus) steers using a variable stocking rate. Animal performance and pasture composition were recorded from 1998 to 2000. The red clover was annually renewed in the RC–G pasture by frost seeding. The legume fraction accounted for at least 66% of the herbage mass every year in KC–G pasture while in RC–G pasture, it ranged from 33% in 1998 to 10% in 2000. Kura clover–grass pasture was lower in neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber and higher in crude protein and in vitro true digestibility than the RC–G pasture. Herbage mass and carrying capacity were greater in KC–G than in RC–G pasture each grazing season. Average daily gain was higher every year for KC–G than for RC–G and averaged 1.21 and 0.99 kg, respectively. Beef gains on KC–G and RC–G were 1151 and 953 kg ha−1 in 1998, 882 and 628 kg ha−1 in 1999, and 1030 and 820 kg ha−1 in 2000, respectively. The greater gain per hectare on KC–G was attributed to the combination of its capacity to produce more forage and its superior nutritive value. Both are consequences of the ability of kura clover to maintain a high proportion of legume in the sward.