The Impact of Herbage Mass on Perennial Ryegrass Swards in Autumn on Autumn and over Winter Production and Characteristics

Accumulating herbage mass to facilitate the extension of grazing season in autumn is commonly practised. The objective current study was investigate effect accumulating varying target masses (THM) and imposing different defoliation dates (DD), on mass, sward quality water-soluble carbohydrates subsequent spring. A 4 × 3 factorial split plot design assigned with four THM (Low ? 500 kg·DM·ha?1, Medium 1500 High 2000 kg·DM·ha?1 Very high 3000 kg·DM·ha?1) three DD (DD1—15 October, DD2—7 November DD3—21 November), across two years. Measurements were carried out at each Differences found between DD. Sward reduced from DD2 DD3 (?13 g·kg?1 DM CP, p < 0.001). very had lowest DD1 (206 0.001 787 DMD, 0.05). This has identified date as key improving management strategies for increased utilisation quality.