Utilization and preference rating of various subtropical pasture species and mixtures

The percentage utilization and preference demonstrated by Bonsmara beef cows was measured twice (December 1976 and March 1977) on 18 subtropical grasses, legumes andgrass‐legume mixtures under supplemental spray irrigation. Clipping before and after grazing, with a two to three day period of stay, was carried out on six week old regrowth. Degree of utilization based on a six point scale was recorded twice daily, thereby allowing preference ratings to be related to time and grazing pressure. The following average rating of preference, in descending order, was obtained: Digitaria milanjiana, Panicum maxmum cv. Sabi, Medicago sativa, Panicum coloratum cv. Makarikari, P. coloratum cv. Bushman Mine, Sabi Panicum/ Glycine wightii, Brachiaria brizantha, Cynodon dactylon cv. Coast Cross I, C. nlemfuensis cv. Estcourt, Pennisetum clandestinum cv. Whittet, Anthephora pubescens, Cenchrus citiaris cv. Molopo, C. ciliaris/Skatro, Vigna vexillata, Macroptilium atropurpureum cv. Siratro, Eragrostis curvula/V. vexillata, G. wightii, E. curvula cv. Ermelo.