In the UK, grass occupies 50% of the total agricultural area (this includes temporary, permanent, and rough grazing) (DEFRA, 2019). This is a significant proportion of land that still requires the same time and inputs as other agricultural crops. Looking a bit closer at the south west, permanent pasture takes up 48% of the total farmed area (DEFRA, 2020). In the south east permanent pasture takes up 30% of the farmed area (DEFRA, 2020). Grass offers the cheapest form of feed to livestock and, is often a popular option due to its flexibility in its ability to grow for the majority of the year. Value of grass Clamped silage – 11.2 Metabolize energy (ME), 15% Crude Protein (CP) Grazing Spring grass – 11.5 ME, 17% Protein Old grass ley – 10.5 ME, 15% Protein (AHDB 2020) However, with good or poor management, these figures can be significantly changed. Permanent pasture has been recorded to have values as low as 9ME and 10.5%CP. Similarly, a standard 2 year ley has recorded 10.4ME and 12.7%CP. One ley fed N:S after every grazing rotation, recorded values of 12ME and protein up to 25%. Looking at these results, it shows how much management has a massive effect on nutritional value. Like most species in the natural kingdom grass has one life objective; to reproduce. To achieve this the grass plant needs to produce viable seed which can be redistributed back into the soil and establish the next generation. An understanding of how a grass plant endeavours to achieve this life ambition can help livestock farmers gain maximum nutritional value from grass when feeding it to their animals.
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