The value of the seed, pods, and dry tops of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) in the summer nutrition of sheep

Abstract

Penned sheep were fed a protein deficient ration of mature ryegrass (Loliumrigidum Gaud.) supplemented by the seed, pods, or dry tops of Trifolium subterraneum L. The supplements did not increase the intake of ryegrass, but all supplements did increase the total feed intake. With the pod supplements, total intake was increased by increasing the level of supplement from 100 to 200 g a day, but there were no other differences between the levels or types of supplement. Bodyweight losses decreased in proportion to the increases in intake. It was concluded that small intakes (100-200 g) of clover pods or dry tops produce significant reductions in the weight loss of sheep, but that further increases in the amounts eaten are of no value for reducing weight loss as the digestibility of all constituents is similar. The nitrogen content of oesophageal fistula samples collected from dry pastures of Wimmera ryegrass and subterranean clover was not decreased by the absence of clover pods. It was concluded that the dry tops of the clover are at least as important as the pods in the nutrition of sheep in summer.