Tall Fescue Online Monograph

Abstract

Grazing management is crucial to maximizing the advantages of tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.] in the southern hemisphere and is often different from the best practices for other grass species because of differences in seasonal growth rates and plant growth characteristics. Grazing is important for maintaining feed quality, animal performance, and for stand persistence. Guidelines are given for best practice grazing management for dairy, beef, and sheep producers. Maintenance of plant density is influenced by the success of establishment, soil fertility and fertilizer use, and management during droughts. The suitability of continental and Mediterranean tall fescue types is discussed for New Zealand, Australia, Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay.

Keywords: continental tall fescue, Mediterranean tall fescue, grazing, nutritive value, dairy pasture, persistence, drought, grazing frequency.

Abbreviations: DM, dry matter; DSE, dry sheep equivalent; E-, endophyte free, free of Neotyphodium.