Cattle production on white clover - perennial ryegrass mixtures

The performance of contrasting perennial ryegrass - white clover mixtures was evaluated under continuous cattle stocking. The relation between clover content and animal production was studied. Trials were established in 1991 on two clay soils (HN and HW) and on a sandy soil (ACH). Clover content and animal live weight gain were measured and net energy yield calculated. Within each trial consistent differences in clover content were found among mixtures, but there were no significant differences in animal performance. In 1992 the clover content and animal output were highest in ACH, but during 1993 and 1994 the clover content was lowest in ACH and highest in HW; however, in 1993 animal growth and net energy were highest in HN. No relation was found between clover content and animal production.