Hardy ryegrass could bolster milk yields

Geminal’s latest high-sugar grass mixture claims to offer dairy farmers a production benefit of 1,700 litres/ha of milk a year – an additional £340 if milk price is 20p/litre.

On dual-purpose and grazing ley, farmers can expect good ground cover, disease resistance, quality and yield from Aber Zeus, says the company.

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In Germinal trials, the intermediate diploid perennial ryegrass has produced yields of 107% and D-values of 77.5, giving it a rating 2% above average for silage yield and one whole point higher in D-value when compared with control varieties.

“This is the best grass plant we have ever bred. Only one of our varieties beats it for yield and that is Aber Gain. Gain is a tetraploid, meaning it is more upright and better for silaging,” explains Germinal’s Ben Wixey.

Zeus also stands up well to grazing pressures, he adds.

• Disease ratings: Good figures on crown rust, mildew and drechslera
• Yield profile: Early spring 116%, summer 103%, late summer 104%, autumn 114%.
• Mix ratio: Include at 5-7kg, rather than typical 3-4kg.

Germinal will be exhibiting at the Livestock Event from 6-7 July. For more information, see the Germinal website or visit stand FF392.