Effects of grazing frequency on the production, nutritive value, herbage utilisation, and structure of a Paspalum dilatatum sward

Abstract This experiment evaluated the effects of two grazing frequencies on net herbage accumulation, herbage nutritive value, sward structure, and herbage utilisation of a paspalum ( Paspalum dilatatum ) sward. The sward was grazed intermittently by dry Holstein cows over a 12‐month period, in the Pampean Region in Argentina. Two grazing frequencies were used in spring and summer, Frequent (<5% of the tillers at inflorescence emergence) and Less Frequent (>75% of the tillers at inflorescence emergence). There were no differences ( P > 0.05) in net herbage accumulation between grazing frequencies. The higher proportion of green leaves ( P < 0.05) present in the residual herbage mass of the frequently grazed sward possibly counterbalanced the shorter rest periods employed. Frequently grazed paspalum plants showed a more prostrate herbage distribution and higher net losses of green herbage ( P < 0.05) as a consequence of their lower herbage utilisation ( P < 0.05).