Tall Fescue Persists and Cattle Perform Well on a Novel-Endophyte Association in the Southern Piedmont USA

摘要

Grazing and fertilization effects on long-term persistence of novel-endophyte-infected tall fescue (TF) have not been well documented. A field study was conducted for 6 years to assess; (i) persistence of TF under grazing conditions; and (ii) production and performance of yearling heifers on wild-endophyte-infected, novel-endophyte-infected, and endophyte-free TF associations fertilized with either inorganic N-P-K or broiler litter. Average daily gain (ADG) (1.5 ?nbsp;0.2 lb/day; mean ?standard deviation among 6 years) and cattle body weight (BW) gain on a yearly basis (487 ?nbsp;147 lb/acre) were as good with broiler litter as with inorganic fertilization (P > 0.1), although seasonal shifts occurred. ADG on TF pastures with novel endophyte (1.7 lb/day) was as good as, and in one year was even better than (P < 0.1), with endophyte-free association (1.6 lb/day), both of which were superior to ADG on wild-endophyte-infected tall fescue (1.2 lb/day). Persistence of TF with novel endophyte (73% basal area) was intermediate between wild endophyte (76%) and endophyte free (67%). With excellent ADG and stand persistence, novel-endophyte-infected TF should be recommended for establishment of new, sustainable, cool-season pastures in the Piedmont region and these pastures can be effectively fertilized with broiler litter.