Chilean needle grass integrated grazing strategies

Abstract

Chilean needle grass ('Nassella neesiana'; CNG) is able to over-run pastures resulting in canopy cover of up to 60%. Such infestations can lead to a substantial reduction in livestock carrying capacity as the grass produces large numbers of unpalatable flower stalks and sharp seeds that pose a risk to animal welfare, particularly sheep. A large scale grazing study was initiated over spring 2004 to compare the ability of set stocked or rotationally grazed sheep and cattle, to reduce CNG seed production, as well as to monitor the effects on animal production and the botanical composition of the pasture regrowth.