Abstract 8

Williams,-MJ; Hammond,-AC; Butts,-WT; Kunkle,-WE

USDA, ARS, STARS, University of Florida, Brooksville, FL 34605, USA.

Proceedings of the XVI International Grassland Congress, 4-11 October 1989, Nice, France. 1989, 1021-1022; 3 ref. Versailles, France; Association Francaise pour la Production Fourragere.

The summer grazing phase of a study on the residual effects of winter management of steers was used to evaluate the pasture production potential, animal performance and sward dynamics of a mixed pasture of rhizoma perennial peanut (Arachis glabrata) and grass (Cynodon and Paspalum spp.) under an extensive management system. There were significant total DM and species DM production X year interactions, which appeared to be regulated by rainfall distribution. Typical dry spring conditions in 1986 limited DM production during the spring and favoured grass domination of the sward throughout the grazing season. Spring 1987 rains resulted in greater DM production during the spring and throughout the grazing season. Additionally, A. glabrata DM production was greater in 1987 than 1986, while the grass contribution remained essentially the same. Animal performance, in part, reflected the increasing contribution of the legume, with seasonal av. daily liveweight gains of 0.89 kg/d in 1987 compared with 0.68 kg/d in 1986.