Effect of sod-seeding bloat-free legumes on pasture productivity, steer performance, and production economics

A five-year experiment evaluated the effects of sod-seeding sainfoin and cicer milkvetch into monoculture grass (Lanigan, SK) or legume (Lethbridge, AB) stands on pasture productivity, steer performance, economics. At Lanigan, decreased (treatment × year P = 0.01) from 13% in yr 1 to 2% 2 (% plant population) did not differ thereafter, while milkvetch, maintained a proportion 16% stand. Forage yield was greater year; < treatments compared control. DMI steers only 5 ADG (P Lethbridge, 46 17% DM yield), its at 11%. increased 3 sainfoin, gain affected by treatment. generated gross returns control; however, once establishment costs were applied there no differences present value net returns.