Weight Gain of Highland Cattle Depending on the Share of Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium Perenne L.) in the Meadow Sward

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the different proportion of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) in the meadow sward on its fodder value and daily weight gain of Highland cattle. The research was carried out on meadow sward with natural undergrowth that was cultivated by sowing perennial ryegrass. When preparing the sward for sowing, around 40% of it was damaged with a rotary tiller. The sowing rate for perennial ryegrass seeds was varied and amounted to 5, 10 and 15 kg ha−1. As a result, the following treatments of meadow sward were obtained and distinguished: semi-natural sward without sowing as the control, and three experimental treatments with approximately 18, 36 and 55% share of perennial ryegrass in the meadow sward. The animals were kept in a cowshed. In the nutritional part, the impact of feeding the obtained sward on the daily weight gain of Highland bulls and heifers was assessed. The obtained results showed higher gains in both bulls and heifers fed with sward from grasslands with a greater proportion of perennial ryegrass. The weight gain of the animals resulted from the nutrition, i.e. the quality of the feed obtained from the experimental objects. During the control fattening period, the bulls’ average daily weight gain ranged from 649 g to 714 g, while for heifers 556 g to 598 g. Statistical significance (P≤0.05) in body weight gains in both bulls and heifers was shown already at 36% of perennial ryegrass in the meadow sward.