Progress towards delivering high metabolisable energy ryegrass

A method developed at AgResearch to increase leaf fatty acids (FA) and plant growth called ‘High metabolizable energy’ (‘HME’) could elevate the nutritional quality productivity of perennial ryegrass-based pastures. The industry strategy has been perform HME ryegrass field trials offshore test whether herbage FA, gross energy (GE) yield enhancing traits observed in containment translate into swards. To complement testing programme, we have also characterised profile miniswards under simulated grazing containment. results from one such trial are presented. major changes measured miniswards; increased FA (+0.8–1.4 %DW), GE (+0.3–0.5 MJ/kgDM), generally similar DW production, closely mirror data with hemizygous populations Midwest USA. Changes other components were minor, although WSC was reduced late diurnal cycle. Secondary effects on photosynthesis appear be diminished swards, suggesting that benefits may limited specific environment management scenarios. primary benefit technology is thus expected come increasing density pasture, animal feeding using homozygous material now required.