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Low-temperature growth in grasses from northern latitudes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

J. H. Ollerenshaw ,
W. S. Stewart ,
J. Gallimore  and
R. H. Baker
J. H. Ollerenshaw
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural Biology, The Unixversity, Newcastle upon Tyne
W. S. Stewart
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural Biology, The Unixversity, Newcastle upon Tyne
J. Gallimore
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural Biology, The Unixversity, Newcastle upon Tyne
R. H. Baker
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural Biology, The Unixversity, Newcastle upon Tyne
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Extract

Output from grazing animals in Britain could be increased by extending the growing season of grasslands. In particular the growth of hill pasture species is highly seasonal with 75% of annual production occurring in three summer months (Newbould, 1974). Stocking rates, limited by winter carrying capacity, are therefore low and summer leaf production is undergrazed. The consequent accumulation of mature senescing herbage seriously reduces pasture quality (Eadie, 1968). As a result of this and lack of grass growth, ewes are often poorly nourished prior to mating (November) and throughout pregnancy and early lactation. Hence fertility levels and lamb birth weights and growth rates are low, and mortality rates high (Gunn, 1967).

Type
Short Note
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 87 , Issue 1 , August 1976 , pp. 237 - 239
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1976

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References

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