The Evaluation of Kikuyu Oversown With Ryegrass and Clover in Terms of Milk Production

Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) comprises the greater part of irrigated summer and autumn pasturage for milk production in the Southern Cape. Milk production per cow is limited by low forage quality. The aim of the study was to determine the milk production from kikuyu (K), kikuyu oversown with annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum spp. cv Energa) (KR), kikuyu oversown with a mixture of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne cv Yatsyn, Dobson) and perennial white clover (Trifolium repens cv Haifa, Waverley) and red clover (Trifolium pratense cv Kenland, Cherokee) (KRC) and kikuyu oversown with a mixture of perennial white and red clover (KC). The trial was carried out under irrigation using Jersey cows in a put-and-take grazing system. Fertiliser was applied to raise phosphorus level to 35 mg/kg, potash level to 80 mg/kg and the pH (KCl) to 5.5. No nitrogen fertiliser was applied to the KC and KRC pastures