The benefits of white clover inclusion

Grassland researcher Brian McCarthy and PhD researcher Brid McClearn join Emma-Louise Coffey to discuss the benefits of white clover inclusion at Clonakilty Agricultural College.

The grass plus white clover treatment grew 1.2 tonnes more grass compared with the grass only sward. Clover content varied from 36% in year 1 to 14% in year 4, which is a driver of grass production and fed quality.

Cows in the grass plus white clover treatment produced 50 kg milk solids compared with grass only treatment. Brid explains this occurs due to increased intake and greater forage quality.

Brian gives his management tips for managing clover in swards emphasising the importance of prevention rather than treatment. 

Furthermore, bloat oil during dry weather and small allocations at the start of grazing cycle to avoid gorging in wet weather.

Notwithstanding increasing costs of the grass plus clover swards including feed in spring, labour associated with supplementary feeding and fencing, machinery expenses and treatment with bloat oil, there was an additional €305 with the inclusion of white clover

For more information:
https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2019/Clonakilty-Update-The-effect-of-perennial-ryegrass-ploidy-and-white-clover-inclusion-on-animal,-sward-and-farm.pdf

And for more from the Dairy Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/