Pasture composition – for optimum production
• Legume component in pastures as companion to introduced grass species – minimum of 20%, maximum of 30%, unless paddock is to be used specifically for high animal production (growth rates) when a higher maximum legume content may be desirable (up to 40%). Take precautions to avoid bloat in cattle when legume content is towards maximum limits.
• Legume content in native pastures – maximum of 20%.
• Productive and perennial grasses – minimum of 60%, maximum of 80%.
• Annual grass and broadleaf weeds – maximum of 10%.
• Bare ground – maximum of 10%.
• Noxious weeds – maximum of 0%.
Pasture composition – number and proportion of desirable perennial grass species
The most appropriate number and relative proportion of desirable perennial grass species within the total perennial grass component of a pasture will vary with the genetic capacity for growth and quality of each species and the objectives set for that pasture zone. The limits stated in the following are a guide only:
• High input grass based pastures – maximum limit of two desirable grass species (difficulty of grazing management increases with number of species), with combined minimum composition of 90% of total grass component of pasture mix.
• General purpose pasture zones (native, introduced or a mix) – minimum of two desirable grass species with the dominant species a maximum of 60% of total desirable grass component.
• Special purpose pastures – limits will be defined by purpose, eg one species, such as tetraploid ryegrass, may be used in a short-term high performance pasture.
