Introduction to Grassland in Ireland

Grassland and Livestock Management

• Grass is the main source of feed for cattle and sheep in Ireland.

Stocking Rate

• Stocking rate is the number of animals that can be stocked/fed on a set acre of land.

Sugar Analysis

• A refractometer is used to measure the sucrose concentration in grass.

Plant Growth

• Tillering is the ability of a plant to produce side shoots from the bottom of the stem.

Land Damage

• Poaching is the damage caused to wet or waterlogged land by livestock movement on wet soil.

Agricultural Grasses

• Perennial Ryegrass is the most important agricultural grass in Ireland for its highly palatability and digestibility.
• Italian Ryegrass has a fast-growing rate with a longer growing season and more production than Perennial Ryegrass.
• Hybrid Ryegrasses is a mixture of Perennial and Italian ryegrass, known for its high yields and long growing season, referred to as hybrid vigour.

Livestock Grazing

• Cattle and sheep are selective grazers, which means they only eat the grasses that are most palatable to them.
• White Clover has white flowers compared to Red Clover.

Learn about the use of grassland in Ireland as the main source of feed for cattle and sheep. Explore concepts such as stocking rate, production levels, refractometer, and tillering in relation to grassland management.