Grass MCQ 2 Flashcards
- What % of seed sale in Ireland are PRG?
o 95%
- Nodules on white clover roots containing Rhizobia bacteria capable of supplying how many units N/acre in the soil each year?
o 120 units N/acre (150kg/ha)
- What form of N does rhizobia bacteria provide the legume plant?
o Ammonium
- White Clover vs Red Clover identification?
o White clover - Leaf margin toothed, No hairs
o Red clover - Leaf margin not toothed, Usually has hairs
- Fixation rate of N in red clover?
o 200-300 kg N/ha/year
- Lifespan of red clover?
o 3-4 years
- PRG/RC pastures can yield how many t/DM/year?
o 11-16 t/DM/year
- Seeding rate of grass seed and red clover?
o 20-22 kg/ha of grass seed and 7-10kg/ha red clover
- PPO meaning and function?
o Polyphenol oxidase
o Protects plant proteins and reduces their solubility, and reduces rumen ammonia-N release and increase the partitioning of N to faeces
- An average annual sward white clover content of approx. what % is desirable for animal and sward production benefits?
o 20-25%
- Most common legume in Ireland?
o White clover
- Permanent pasture in Ireland rarely contains > what % WC on a DM basis?
o >5%
- White clover can fix how much N?
o 100-150kg N/ha/year
- Reseed what % of white clover per year?
o 10%
- Over sow what % of white clover per year?
o 15%
- Max. productivity on what type of soils?
o Medium to free-draining loam soils
- What % reduction in GHG emissions by 2030?
o 25%
- Festulolium are what species combined?
o Fescue x PRG
- Milk production effects from MSS?
o +1.2kg per day
- +1t grass utilised can increase profitability by how much €/ha in drystock and dairy farms respectively?
o €105/ha drystock and €181/ha dairy farms
- A 10% increase in grazed grass in the diet, reduces the cost of production by…
o 2.5c/L
- Profit per cow can be increased by how much per cow per day when the herd has access to grass earlier in the spring?
o €2.70
- Dairy cow spends approx. how long grazing everyday?
o 9-10 hours
- Demand of DM for dairy cows post calving, peak intake, mid-late lactation, and dry cow period?
o Post calving – 10-14kg DM
o Peak intake – 16-20kg DM
o Mid-late lactation – 17kg DM
o Dry cow – 11kg DM
- Demand of DM for dry ewe/hogget and a weaned lamb?
o Dry ewe/hogget – 1.2 to 1.6kg DM/day
o Weaned lamb – 1.2 kg DM/day
- Yield (kg DM/ha) calculation
o Yield (kg DM/ha) = Fresh wgt (g) x DM % x 0.4
- Target pre-grazing cover?
o 1,400kg DM/ha
- Total cover calculation
o Total cover = Paddock DM yield (kg DM/ha) X Paddock area (ha)
- Farm cover calculation
o Farm cover = sum total cover* (kg DM)/ Area available for grazing (ha)
- Target pre-grazing yield kg DM calculation
o Target pre-grazing yield kg DM = stocking rate (cows/ha) * allowance (kg DM/cow/day) * rotation length (days) + residual
- Nutritive value of grazed grass – energy (UFL/kg DM), Protein % and NDF %
o Energy – 0.85-1.05 UFL/kg DM
o Protein – 16-28%
o NDF – 35-50%
- DM% of grass
o 17%
- Chemical composition of grazed grass (g/kg DM) for Crude protein, NDF, ADF and WSC?
o CP – 180-250 g/kg DM
o NDF – 350-400g/kg DM
o ADF – 180-250g/kg DM
o WSC – 150-200g/kg DM
- Crude protein content of autumn grass?
o 21-23%
- Components in a grazing sward:
o Pseudostem, Leaf, Dead material, True stem
- PRG true stem length?
o 3cm
- Rotation length should be increased from how many days mid/late August to how many days in late Sept?
o 21 days in mid/late August to 30-35 days in late September
- The final grazing rotation of the year should be how many days in length?
o 40-45 days
- The closing farm grass cover in late November should be how many kg DM/ha @ how many LU/ha?
o 550-600kg DM/ha @ 2.5 LU/ha
- Aim for a max residual grass yield of how many kg DM/ha in paddocks as they are closed?
o 100kg DM/ha (4.5cm)
- Aim to have what % farm closed by the end of the first week of November?
o 60% (1-2 weeks earlier in wet areas)
- When should paddocks start to be closed for winter?
o From 10th October onwards (1-2 weeks earlier in wet areas)
- How many kg DM/ha on first grazed paddocks in early April?
o 12-1400kg DM/ha
- Spring rotation planner for dry farms:
o Turnout early to mid February
o 30% of farm grazed by 1st March
o 60% of farm grazed by 17th March
o 100% grazed by end of first week of April
o Heavy farms approx. 7-14 days behind the targets for dry farms
- Stocking rate per ha from mid-April to early June?
o 4.5 cows/ha
- Pre-grazing yields in main grazing season?
o 1300-1500kg DM/ha
- Mid season grazing match grass supply and stock requirements by what % BW?
o 2% BW
- Days Ahead Concept
o Total amount of grass available on farm (kg DM)/Herd demand on grazing area (kg Dm per day)
o The number of days grazing ahead if growth were to cease on the farm
- Mid-season pre-grazing yields for beef?
o 1300-1600kg DM/ha
- Concentrates per ewe cost?
o €39 per ewe
- Total variable costs per ewe?
o €98
- To supply enough herbage for 1 ewe and twin lambs we must grow __t and utilise __kg?
o Grow 1tonne ad utilise 850kg (85% utilisation)
- DM requirements for a lactating ewe and 5 weeks post-lambing?
o Lactating ewe - 2.4 kg DM/head/day
o 5 weeks post-lambing - 3.2 kg DM/head/day
- Early/mid March lambing flock an opening farm cover of…
o 600-700 kg grass DM/ha or 20-25 days ahead
- Target ADG on grass post weaning for lambs is…
o 150g/day
- How much grassland used in Western Europe for silage?
o 10 million ha (25% is baled)
- Ensiling process:
o Aerobic phase, fermentation phase, stable phase, feed-out phase
- 2 phases of feed-out phase:
o Degradation of preserving organic acids
o Rise in pH and activity of spoilage organisms such as bacilli, moulds and enterobacteria
- Conditioning definition:
o After mowing crops close stomata and the cuticle limits the rate of water loss. Disruption of the cuticle helps accelerate the loss of water
- Primary fermentable substrates in temperate grasses:
o Glucose, Fructose, Sucrose, Fructans
- AM or PM cutting preferrable and why?
o PM – better fermentation characteristics, less fibrous components, increased DMI, milk solids production and nitrogen use efficiency
- Typical Buffering Capacity in grass range:
o 250 to 350 mEq/kg DM
- Buffering Capacity definition
o The equivalents of acid per unit DM required to lower crop pH from 6 to 4
o BC is higher in legumes and lower in maize than grass
- Homofermentative lactic acid bacteria
o Ferment 1 mole of glucose or fructose to 2 moles of lactic acid
- Heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria
o Produce lactic acid plus acetic acid, ethanol or mannitol
- Saccharolytic clostridia
o Ferment sugars and LA to produce butyric acid
- Proteolytic clostridia
o Ferment amino acids producing amines and ammonia
- Typical loss of DM in silage well preserved and wilted, direct harvested poorly, and direct harvested well?
o Well preserved and wilted – 23%
o Direct harvested poorly – 30%
o Direct harvested well – 19%
- Silage sampling when?
o 6 weeks post harvest
- pH of silage
o 3.8-4.2
- How much forage should a horse consume in 1 day?
o Range of 1.5-3.5% of body weight (2.5%)
- Stocking rate for horses
o 1.5 horses per ha
- 450kg horse will consume
o ~ 2.5-3-plus tons of forage DM during 6 to 7 months
- Horses spend up to how many hours a day eating?
o 16 hours
- Why no clover in horse pasture sward?
o Causes colic – abdominal pain/ GIT issues
- Laminitis definition?
o Inflammation and weakening of the laminae that bonds the hoof wall to the pedal bone in the hoof.
- Maize silage €/t utilisable DM 2024?
o €142/t
- Tassel definition
o Male part of the corn plant that contains the pollen. The tassel is on top of the corn plant.
- Silk definition
o A hollow tube that comes from the female part (ovary) on the ear. The silk grows outside of the husk until the pollen lands on the silk and then moves down silk tube to fertilize the ovary to form the seed. Each ear has one silk strand for each kernel on the ear.
- Ear definition
o The structure that contains the kernels that are forming after fertilization. The female part of the corn plant.
- Husk definition
o Leaf like structure that wraps around the ear for protection.
- Brace roots definition
o Develop from aerial stem nodes and can remain aerial or grow into the ground. Function of these roots is to brace the plant
- Amount of maize worldwide?
o 141million ha worldwide
- Maize production in tonnes?
o 238million tonnes
- Maize is a main food source for what regions?
o Mexico, Latin America, Africa and Asia
- Maize is produced for what in Ireland?
o Forage maize - Whole crop harvested and converted to silage
- Area (ha) of Forage Maize Grown in Ireland 2017-2024?
o 15000ha
- Maize sowing recommendations:
o Recommended to sow when soil temperature reaches 10oC at 10 cm depth
- Plastic on maize increases soil temp by what in May/June and in July?
o 3oC in May/June and 1.5oC in July
- When to start weed control of maize?
o Between 2-5 leaf stage of maize growth
- Target DM% and Starch % for harvesting maize silage?
o 30% DM and 30% Starch
- Nutrient Value Slurry calculation
o Units of either N, P, or K and x 1.25 to get _kg N/ha
- Crimped grain DM%
o 60-70%
- Urea treated grain DM%
o 65-72%
- What is the primary function of Rhizobium bacteria in legume plants?
o To fix atmospheric nitrogen for plant growth
- Environmental factors that affect N fixation in legumes?
o Soil structure, nutrient availability, and sunlight exposure
- Which type of clover has an erect growth habit and is often used for silage?
o Red clover
- What nutrient is primarily fixed by legumes, aiding in their growth and surrounding soil fertility?
o Nitrogen
- Red clover is NOT suitable for:
o Intensive grazing
- Disadvantage of using Red Clover in forage systems?
o Short lifespan
- What is a unique characteristic of the white clover (Trifolium repens)?
o Trifoliate leaves with minutely serrate margins
- Which leaf size of white clover is recommended for sheep grazing?
o Small
- What is the optimal inclusion rate of white clover in permanent pastures in Ireland to achieve desired sward benefits?
o 3-6kg/ha
- What is one of the main challenges associated with clover-based pastures?
o Risk of bloat in animals
- How does white clover in swards impact the nutritional profile of the herbage?
o Increases mineral content and crude protein
- What factor is essential to avoid when attempting to increase the white clover content in a pasture?
o Applying nitrogen fertiliser from mid-late April onwards
- Which plant characteristic of plantain (Plantago lanceolata) can reduce nitrogen excretion in animals?
o High mineral content
- Which functional group in multispecies swards contributes to reducing nitrogen losses and improving soil structure?
o Forbs (herbs)
- Why might multispecies swards be preferred over perennial ryegrass monocultures?
o Increased biodiversity and lower nitrogen inputs
- What is the primary financial benefit of effective grazing management for dairy farmers?
o Longer grazing season with low-cost, high-quality feed
- In a continuous stocking system, what is a significant disadvantage?
o Potential for under- or overgrazing
- What is the objective of rotational grazing?
o To allow paddocks to rest after grazing
- In the leader-follower system, which group of animals typically gets access to the pasture first?
o Calves or younger stock
- What is the main goal of grass budgeting in grazing management?
o To synchronize grass supply with animal demand
- Tools in PBI tool kit for grazing management?
o Nitrogen Use Efficiency calculator, Autumn Rotation Planner, Farm Mapping Tool
- What grazing strategy involves animals grazing for a limited time before being returned indoors?
o On-off grazing
- What is one of the primary benefits of creep grazing?
o Allows young stock to access higher-quality pasture
- What is the effect of the leader-follower system on the follower group?
o May lead to lower-quality herbage available
- What does “paddock rotation length” refer to in grazing management?
o The time animals spend grazing in a single paddock
- Which grazing system is most commonly associated with higher grass utilisation and reduced waste?
o Strip grazing
- Which grazing system is most commonly associated with higher grass utilisation and reduced waste?
o To manage grazing areas and track fertiliser application
- Which grazing method is commonly used in challenging weather conditions to minimize pasture damage?
o On-off grazing
- Priority measurements in grassland management?
o Paddock cover in kg DM/ha, Farm grass cover per cow, Stocking rate per hectare
- What is the recommended residual height for paddocks after grazing to maintain sward quality?
o 5-6cm
- Which tool in grazing management helps identify high and low-producing paddocks?
o Grass Wedge
- According to the PBI Tool Kit, which of the following is crucial for managing pasture quality during grazing?
o Priority measurements like growth and residuals
- What is the recommended grass dry matter (DM) allowance per day for a weaned lamb?
o 1.2kg DM
- In the leader-follower system, what grazing period is ideal for each paddock to avoid overgrazing?
o 4-5 days
- What is the primary purpose of using a Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) calculator in grazing management?
o To monitor nitrogen input vs. uptake
- Methods used for herbage mass assessment?
o Rising plate meter, Grass shears and quadrat, Wellington boot technique
- Which grass measurement tool shows the highest correlation with actual plot yields?
o Grasshopper plate metre
- The target pre-grazing yield is calculated based on what parameters?
o Stocking rate, allowance, rotation length, and residual
- What does Post-Grazing Sward Height (PGSH) indicate?
o Average height to which a paddock is grazed
- In the Wellington boot technique, which measurement is primarily observed?
o Post-grazing residual
- What is the relationship between Post-Grazing Sward Height (PGSH) and residual grass yield?
o Higher PGSH indicates higher residual yield
- Which factor is associated with high Organic Matter Digestibility (OMD) in pasture quality?
o High energy value (UFL/UFV)
- What does a Priority Measurement in grazing management typically include?
o Target residual, Pre-grazing yield, Stocking rate
- Which technique involves taking grass samples from the sward and drying them to estimate live leaf percentage?
o Quadrat and shears method
- For which grazing severity score would a Post-Grazing Sward Height (PGSH) be categorised as “good grazing”?
o 2 (3.5-4.5 cm)
- How is the target pre-grazing yield impacted by an increase in rotation length?
o It increases
- Influences of pasture nutritional quality?
o Post-Grazing Sward Height (PGSH), Rotation length, Herbage mass
- What does the Rising Plate Meter measure in a grazing system?
o Grass height and estimated yield
- Which is a benefit of using the Grass Wedge tool in grazing management?
o To visually assess pasture supply across paddocks
- What is the typical crude protein (CP) content of autumn grass?
o 21-23%
- Which factor contributes to reduced pasture quality in autumn compared to spring?
o Increased dead material and lignification
- The 60:40 autumn grassland plan is primarily designed to:
o Keep cows grazing until a designated housing date
- In the 60:40 autumn grassland plan, what date is typically targeted to have 60% of the farm grazed?
o 1st November
- What is the recommended Post-Grazing Sward Height (PGSH) for autumn grazing?
o 4.5-5.0 cm
- High Organic Matter Digestibility (OMD) in pasture is associated with:
o Higher energy intake for animals
- What is the target crude protein (CP) level for well-managed spring grass?
o 19-24%
- Which component of the grazing sward generally has the lowest digestibility?
o Dead material
- What effect does grazing pasture older than three leaves per tiller typically have?
o Increases senescent material
- What is a critical factor in maintaining pasture quality?
o Ensuring a high percentage of green leaf
- The primary goal of autumn grazing is to:
o Maintain grass in the diet as long as possible
- How does a high sward OMD affect dairy cow performance?
o Increase milk yield
- What is the main objective of autumn grazing management?
o Maximise grass utilisation and set up farm grass cover for spring
- During the final rotation in autumn, when should paddocks ideally start being closed?
o 1st-10th October
- Which of the following is a recommended pre-grazing yield in the main grazing season?
o 1500 kg DM/ha
- For spring grazing, what is the target average farm cover (AFC) at the start of the season?
o 900-1000 kg DM/ha
- In which season should pre-grazing yields be maintained at 1300-1500 kg DM/ha to optimise cow performance?
o Main grazing season (May-August)
- A substitution rate of 0.89 kg DM means that for every kilogram of a supplement given:
o 0.89 kg of pasture intake is reduced
- Which practice is suggested to manage sward surpluses in the main grazing season?
o Close fields for silage
- In buffer feeding, what factors influence the response to supplementation?
o Pasture availability, Type of supplement feed, Stage in lactation
- Why is topping recommended early in the season (mid-May) rather than later?
o To maintain pasture quality and encourage regrowth
- What is the desired post-grazing sward height (PGSH) in the main grazing season?
o 4cm
- How much nitrogen (N) is recommended for spring application to optimize early growth?
o 60kg N/ha
- What is a long-term strategy to address sward deficits?
o Reseed pastures with more productive species
- What is the typical target for live leaf content in a sward to ensure optimal digestibility and cow performance?
o 65%
- What is one of the main objectives of grassland management in the beef industry?
o Increase live weight gain per hectare
- Which grazing system is commonly used in extensive beef production systems due to its simplicity and low labour requirements?
o Continuous stocking
- What is an advantage of mixed grazing with cattle and sheep?
o Improves sward composition and parasite control
- In autumn management for beef, what is the target average farm cover (AFC) by the end of November for a spring-calving suckler herd?
o 550-600 kg DM/ha
- During spring, turning stock out to grass early has multiple benefits such as…
o Reduced feed costs, Higher nutritive value of spring grass, Reduced machinery costs
- In the “days ahead” concept for grazing, which period has the target days ahead set to 12-14 days?
o April to June
- For mid-season grazing in beef systems, what is the ideal pre-grazing yield target?
o 1300-1600 kg DM/ha
- What is one key goal of the Spring Rotation Planner in beef grazing management?
o Ensure maximum grass intake in early spring
- Grazing to a post-grazing sward height (PGSH) of approximately 4 cm is recommended for beef cattle because it:
o Optimises herbage production and animal intake
- What is the suggested PGHM (pre-grazing herbage mass) for optimal beef cattle performance in late spring and early summer?
o 1600-2000 kg DM/ha
- Early turnout of cattle in spring can reduce the winter feeding period by:
o 3-4 weeks
- In on/off grazing trials, what additional benefit was observed in calves from cows that were turned out early?
o Increased weaning weight
- For a balanced grazing system, what is essential when setting up paddock infrastructure for beef cattle?
o Permanent access to water in each paddock
- What is the main component of a grass-based diet for mid-season lambing flocks in Ireland?
o Well managed grass
- What is the most significant variable cost in sheep production according to the 2023 National Farm Survey?
o Meal (concentrate) feeding costs
- What percentage of lambs are typically drafted by the end of September in Irish sheep production?
o 70-85%
- Solutions to poor grass quality delaying lamb drafting?
o Increased growth, Improved quality and utilisation of grass, Increased use of clover and herbs
- By 2027, what is the target number of lambs weaned per ewe in Irish sheep production?
o 1.85
- Why are paddocks subdivided into smaller grazing divisions for sheep?
o To ensure paddocks are grazed out in the main season within 5 days
- According to Teagasc (2021), what should the target farm cover be upon spring opening?
o 600-700 kg DM/ha
- What is the optimum pre-grazing yield target for sheep during the main grazing season?
o 1100-1300 kg DM/ha
- Which system had to reduce stocking rates by 26% in order to increase lamb birth weight?
o Year-round grazing (YRG)
- What is the suggested sward height (SH) for April/May to maintain grass quality for sheep?
o 6cm
- According to the guidelines, what is the approximate daily grass dry matter intake (DM) requirement of a lactating ewe five weeks post-lambing?
o 3.2kg DM
- What grazing system allows lambs to graze higher herbage ahead of ewes to increase weaning weight?
o Forward creep grazing
- What is the primary purpose of silage production?
o To preserve forage crops through controlled fermentation
- What is the % optimal dry matter (DM) content for silage to ensure effective preservation?
o 25-30%
- Which of the following is a disadvantage of silage compared to hay?
o Dependency on an anaerobic environment for quality
- What is the target digestible dry matter (DMD) percentage range for high-quality silage?
o 70-75%
- In the process of making high-quality silage, what role do additives play?
o They promote rapid lactic acid fermentation
- Which microorganism is considered undesirable in silage due to its potential to cause secondary fermentation and spoilage?
o Clostridia
- Which of the following factors increases the buffering capacity (BC) of silage, making it harder to reduce pH?
o Presence of legumes
- Which additive type is commonly used to restrict fermentation and prevent undesirable bacteria growth in silage?
o Acid-based additives
- What is the main purpose of shelf-life enhancers in silage?
o Prolong shelf-life by reducing aerobic spoilage
- Favourable conditions for clostridia growth in silage?
o Wet conditions, low temperature, anaerobic environment
- When does the ‘stable phase’ of the ensiling process occur?
o When air is excluded and bacteria levels stabilise
- What is the primary objective of wilting in the silage-making process?
o To decrease moisture content and increase dry matter
- Which phase marks the final stage of the ensiling process, involving a rise in pH due to spoilage organism activity upon air exposure?
o Feed-out phase
- Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) is best suited for which type of pasture?
o Short-term leys and silage swards
- What is a significant disadvantage of red clover in livestock grazing?
o Reduces fertility in breeding ewes
- What nutrient conversion process is Rhizobium bacteria primarily responsible for in legumes?
o Nitrogen gas to ammonia
- Which environmental target is associated with agriculture in the EU’s Farm to Fork strategy?
o Reduce nutrient losses by at least 50%
- White clover is particularly useful in pastures for its ability to:
o Fix nitrogen and support PRG growth
- Which nutrient has a high requirement in red clover silage management?
o P and K
- The process by which Rhizobium bacteria provide nitrogen to the legume plant is called:
o Nitrogen fixation
- Which of the following clover types is typically characterised by an erect stem and purple flowers?
o Red clover
- Why is red clover typically less suited for intensive grazing systems?
o It is prone to bloat in grazing animals
- What is the recommended pH level for optimal growth of red clover in pasture systems?
o 6.3-7.0
- Which factor is most likely to reduce nitrogen fixation in legumes?
o Low soil nutrient availability
- What is the primary benefit of using legumes like clover in grass pastures?
o Enhanced nitrogen levels in the soil through fixation
- What is a significant environmental advantage of including clover in pasture systems?
o Decreases the need for chemical nitrogen fertilisers
- Management practices recommended for red clover silage production?
o Harvesting every 6-8 weeks, Maintaining a post-grazing height of 5-6 cm, Seeding at a rate of 7-10 kg/ha
- Red clover silage has lower protein degradability due to which compound?
o Polyphenol oxidase (PPO)
- What is a potential disadvantage of grazing red clover for beef cattle?
o Increased risk of bloat
- The inclusion of clover in pastures is essential under which regulation in Ireland?
o EU Nitrates Directive
- Which of the following describes the primary advantage of Alsike clover in pastures?
o High nutritional content with moderate soil nitrogen fixation
- What is the typical seeding rate for red clover when planted in a pasture mixture?
o 7-10kg/ha
- Which EU environmental target is directly associated with reducing fertilizer use in agriculture?
o Reducing nutrient losses by 50% by 2030
- Characteristics of RC compared to WC?
o Higher nitrogen fixation rate, Erect growth habit, Suited to silage production
- What is the purpose of allowing red clover to flower before the first silage cut in mid-May?
o To maximise total dry matter yield
- Which of the following management practices helps reduce bloat risk in animals grazing red clover?
o Allowing animals to graze red clover with PRG
- What soil nutrient levels are recommended for optimal red clover growth?
o Balanced phosphorus and potassium (Index 3)
- Which feature makes red clover particularly suitable as a break crop in arable farming?
o High nitrogen fixation and organic matter contribution
- Which management step is recommended to avoid damage to red clover’s crowns?
o Avoiding physical damage during late-season grazing
- Which clover variety generally lacks hairs and has white flowers?
o White clover
- Why is red clover less effective for grazing in early spring?
o Limited early spring growth
- What management practice is recommended to improve dry matter yield in red clover silage?
o Wilt for 24-36 hours to 30% dry matter
- How does polyphenol oxidase (PPO) in red clover impact nitrogen utilisation efficiency (NUE)?
o Reduces nitrogen loss by protecting proteins
- What is the advantage of allowing red clover to reach early bloom before the first silage cut?
o Increases total annual dry matter yield
- What type of growth habit does white clover exhibit?
o Stoloniferous growth
- Which clover cultivar is best suited for rotational grazing?
o AberAce
- What is a key physiological trait of white clover in spring?
o Low photosynthesis rate compared to grasses
- What is one benefit of white clover in a sward?
o Increased herbage quality
- At what percentage is white clover content ideal for animal and sward benefits?
o 20-25%
- What grazing strategy is recommended for spring with white clover?
o Frequent rotational grazing
- How should nutrient management be handled for clover in early spring?
o Apply nitrogen at similar rates to PRG swards
- What effect does reducing nitrogen input from mid-late April have on clover?
o Increases clover content in swards
- White clover swards typically require which of the following to prevent bloat?
o Post-grazing height of at least 4 cm
- Can increase white clover in swards by…
o Direct reseeding, Over-sowing, Tight grazing in autumn
- Why is it recommended to avoid herbicides when managing clover swards?
o They kill the clover plants
- What is the recommended white clover seeding rate in an established pasture?
o 2-4 kg/ha
- The clover 150 program has which target for nitrogen fertiliser reduction?
o Below 150 kg N/ha
- What soil condition is favourable for clover establishment?
o High lime status
- Which plant has been shown to reduce urinary nitrogen excretion in cows?
o Plantain
- What is a benefit of multi species swards (MSS) compared to PRG-only swards?
o Increased biodiversity and sustainability
- What functional group is included in MSS for nitrogen fixation?
o Legumes
- Which grass is known for drought tolerance in pasture mixes?
o Cocksfoot
- Which of the following pasture herbs has possible anthelmintic properties?
o Plantain
- Tall fescue is suited to which type of soils?
o Fertile, deep, heavy, or wetter soils
- Which legume variety in MSS has a high drought tolerance?
o Red clover
- Which plant has been shown to reduce urinary nitrogen excretion in cows?
o Plantain
- Why is clover sward content important in nitrogen fixation?
o Higher clover content enhances nitrogen fixation
- What is a major disadvantage of white clover in silage production?
o Higher buffering capacity (BC)
- Which of the following describes the primary advantage of Alsike clover in pastures?
o High nutritional content with moderate soil nitrogen fixation
- Which clover cultivar is best suited for rotational grazing?
o AberAce
- What is the dry matter intake (DMI) range for a 600 kg lactating cow?
o 15-19 kg/d
- What is the target paddock allocation duration in a leader-follower system?
o Less than 4-5 days
- What is the primary purpose of a farm map in grazing management?
o To track grazing areas and paddock sizes
- Which technology is used for grass budgeting and monitoring in grazing systems?
o PBI Tool Kit
- What does the term “grass wedge” refer to in grazing management?
o A graphical representation of pasture availability
- What does the PBI Tool Kit track?
o Weekly grass data, Fertiliser records, Soil analysis
- Which grazing system is suited for spring and autumn wet conditions?
o Strip grazing
- In continuous grazing, what is a consequence of under-grazing?
o Reduced sward quality
- What is the benefit of using multiple access points in paddocks?
o Reduce poaching
- What is a typical DMI for a dry ewe?
o 1.2-1.6 kg/day
- What is an ideal grass intake per bite for a grazing cow?
o 30-50g
- What is a significant factor in determining rotation length in grazing systems?
o Grass growth rate
- What does NUE stand for in grazing management?
o Nitrogen Use Efficiency
- What is a typical grazing area per cow for daily allocation?
o 100-120 m²
- What is the dry matter (DM) percentage in drought conditions?
o 22-23%
- What score is assigned to a sward height of over 7.5 cm?
o Grossly under-grazed
- Which fibre component is measured in grazed grass?
o NDF and ADF
- What OMD value corresponds to 75% live leaf content?
o 84%
- Which device has a 63% correlation with actual plot yields?
o C-Dax trailed pasture metre
- The term “UFL” represents:
o Energy content in forage
- What tool is primarily used for visual pasture estimation?
o Sward stick
- What percentage of live leaf corresponds to 78% OMD?
o 70%
- How is the percentage of live leaf in a sward calculated?
o By drying live and dead samples separately
- What is the range of UFL for grazed grass?
o 0.85-1.05
- Which factor contributes to high organic matter digestibility (OMD)?
o High live leaf content
- What is the typical protein range in grazed grass?
o 16-28%
- Why is organic matter digestibility (OMD) significant?
o It indicates forage quality and energy content
- What is the effect of high ADF content in grazed grass?
o Decreases digestibility
- High WSC in grass is beneficial because it:
o Boosts energy content
- What is the correlation percentage for NDVI in yield estimation?
o 68%
- Why is quadrat sampling effective in pasture management?
o Provides accurate herbage yield estimates
- What is the target DM intake from autumn grass to support 15.1 kg of milk?
o 17.7 kg DM
- Which nutrient in autumn grass declines compared to spring grass?
o Water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC)
- The target post-grazing residual in autumn is:
o 100 kg DM/ha
- What is the pre-grazing yield target in the final rotation?
o <2200 kg DM/ha
- What is the DM content range of spring grass?
o 10-23%
- What is the UFL value range for autumn grass?
o 0.85-0.90
- What factor decreases in autumn pasture compared to spring?
o Organic matter digestibility (OMD)
- What is a common guideline for nitrogen application in autumn?
o Apply moderate nitrogen in July-August
- Autumn grass has a DMD of:
o >80%
- The leaf proportion in pre-grazing herbage is highest in:
o Low herbage mass (<1200 kg DM/ha)
- What is the primary limiting factor for grass growth in autumn?
o Temperature and light
- What is the average target closing farm cover for autumn?
o 600-750 kg DM/ha
- During spring, the target pre-grazing yield at turnout is:
o 1000 kg DM/ha
- What percentage of live leaves should be maintained in the sward for high pasture quality?
o 65%
- In the spring rotation planner, what percentage of the farm should be grazed by March 1st?
o 30%
- The substitution rate measures the effect of:
o Pasture intake reduction per kg of supplemented feed
- During the main grazing season, target pre-grazing yields should be:
o 1300-1500 kg DM/ha
- What is the target DM/ha per cow during the main season?
o 150-200 kg
- What is a primary benefit of using mixed grazing with sheep and cattle?
o Reduces parasite burden
- How many paddock divisions are recommended per grazing group in beef systems?
o 6-7 divisions
- What pre-grazing herbage mass (PGHM) is recommended for suckler-bred steers in late spring?
o 1600-2000 kg DM/ha
- What is the ideal time to start building autumn farm cover?
o August
- How does high PGHM (>2000 kg DM/ha) impact beef cattle performance?
o May reduce quality by encouraging stem growth
- What is the maximum recommended PGHM for beef cattle in early spring?
o 1500 kg DM/ha
- Which forage species can improve grazing quality and reduce parasite load in sheep pastures?
o Chicory
- What is the recommended ewe stocking rate target by 2027?
o 12 ewes/ha
- What is a typical target pre-grazing cover for sheep in mid-season?
o 1200 kg DM/ha
- What is a typical ADG target for lambs from birth to weaning?
o 275 g/day
- What is the weaning weight target for lambs reared on cattle pasture?
o 33.8kg
- What daily herbage allowance is optimal for lambs post-weaning?
o 1.5-3.0 kg DM
- What percentage of farms make silage?
o Over 85%
- At what DM percentage is grass silage quality optimized?
o 25-30%
- What is the effect of silage with 75% DMD on live weight gain?
o 0.83 kg/day
- What is the target silage DMD for beef and dairy cows?
o 70% or above
- What effect does conditioning have on silage?
o Enhances water loss during wilting
- Inoculants used in silage are primarily based on:
o Lactobacillus plantarum
- What is the target percentage of ammonia-N in well-preserved silage?
o Below 10%
- What does high lactic acid content indicate in silage?
o Effective fermentation
- Which silage additive improves shelf life by reducing spoilage after opening?
o Propionic acid
- What is the impact of high BC on silage?
o Slower pH reduction
- In silage, fructans serve as:
o Fermentable substrates
- Which of the following is a water-soluble carbohydrate?
o Fructose
- At what BC level does clover pose challenges in silage?
o Above 400 mEq/kg DM
- What is a consequence of secondary fermentation in silage?
o Increased butyric acid production
- What type of additive reduces aerobic spoilage during feed-out?
o Shelf-life enhancers
- Why is AM cutting generally avoided in silage making?
o Lower WSC content
- Which component in silage analysis indicates energy content?
o Metabolisable energy (ME)
- What type of bacteria in silage produce lactic acid plus acetic acid?
o Heterofermentative LAB
- What is an optimum target value for lactic acid in silage?
o 5-30 g/kg FW
- What impact does high lactic acid in silage have on animals?
o Enhances palatability
- Which additive promotes fermentation in silage?
o Molasses
- What is the primary objective of well-managed grassland for horses?
o To supply adequate, high-quality grass for horses and produce winter feed
- What is a risk associated with over-fertilisation of horse pastures?
o Predisposition to laminitis and rapid weight gain
- Which factor is considered the greatest driver of feed crop cost in alternative forages?
o Yield variability
- What is the primary purpose of Food Wise 2025 in relation to cereals/tillage?
o To increase the production of forage maize and support livestock sectors
- What are the advantages of growing forage maize?
o Low labour input and consistent quality
- Pests that are typically a concern in maize production in Ireland?
o Slugs, wireworm, frit fly
- What effect does delaying maize harvest have on the forage?
o Decreases fibre content
- What is the optimal starch level for forage maize to maintain good feeding value?
o Above 30%
- What happens to starch content as the maize plant matures?
o It increases
- What is Whole Crop Cereal (WCC) silage primarily made from?
o Cereal crops like wheat, barley, oats, or triticale
- Which factor contributes to the growing interest in whole crop cereals compared to grass silage?
o Predictability of feeding value
- What is the typical yield of Winter Whole Crop Wheat in terms of Dry Matter (DM)?
o 14-16 T DM/ha
- How much nitrogen is typically supplied by 3000 gallons of cattle slurry per acre?
o 22.5 kg N/ha
- What is the objective of crop management in Whole Crop Cereal production?
o Maximize whole crop yield and grain content
- What is the impact of cutting crops with high stubble on the forage?
o Lowers yield but increases feeding value
- What is the recommended chop length for Whole Crop Cereal Silage to reduce aerobic deterioration?
o 2.5cm
- What is the main benefit of ensiling Whole Crop Cereal with a high dry matter content (35-55%)?
o Reduced aerobic fermentation
- Which additive is commonly used to treat Whole Crop Cereal ensiled at 55-65% DM?
o Urea
- What is an advantage of using Processed Whole Crop Cereal (PWCC) Silage?
o Can be harvested in damp conditions without reducing DM
- What is the main challenge with diets based on Whole Crop Wheat (WCW) for beef cattle?
o Poor FCE due to high intake and low carcass gains
- What effect does a high grain content have on Whole Crop Cereal silage?
o Ensures adequate energy level
- What should be the target DM for harvesting Whole Crop Cereal to produce FWCC silage?
o 35-55% DM
- What is a primary reason for using forage brassicas in animal production systems?
o To improve forage self-sufficiency and fill feed deficits
- What is the recommended percentage of forage brassicas in the diet of dry cows?
o 70%
- Which brassica crop is known for high winter hardiness and digestibility?
o Kale
- What is a potential risk when feeding brassicas in high amounts to lambs?
o Photosensitivity
- Which anti-nutritional compound in brassicas can cause red water (haemoglobinuria) in ruminants?
o SMCO (S-methyl cysteine sulphoxide)
- How should hungry animals be managed when transitioning to a brassica-based diet?
o Provide supplementary feed before offering brassicas
- What is the ideal dry matter (DM) percentage for swedes in forage brassicas?
o 90-120%
- What is a key benefit of feeding hay or straw as supplements to brassicas?
o Stabilises gut function and rumen pH
- Why should pregnant dairy cows avoid brassicas around the calving period?
o High calcium levels can disrupt calcium metabolism post-calving
- What is a critical management practice when grazing brassicas to avoid animal health issues?
o Rotational grazing with regular shift breaks
- What is the recommended sowing depth for brassica seeds?
o 10mm
- Which mineral supplementation is crucial to manage when feeding brassicas due to the risk of deficiency in cattle?
o Copper
- What should be the maximum percentage of forage brassicas in the diet for milking cows?
o 33%
- What is a potential consequence of feeding high nitrate levels in brassicas?
o Risk of nitrate poisoning
- Which factor can lead to poor livestock performance when grazing brassicas?
o Anti-nutritional compounds like glucosinolates
