The Production and Utilization of Winter Grass at Various Centres in England and Wales, 1954–60

The performance of livestock, on winter grass was studied at eighteen sites in England and Wales from 1957 to 1960. Beef cattle generally gained weight while grazing winter grass. They invariably did better than similar animals overwintered on the normal feeding regime of the farms concerned. At 8 centres winter grass was utilized by dairy cows. Calculations indicated that the grass provided a valuable portion of their feed. The general condition and health of livestock grazing winter grass were satisfactory at all centres. Damage caused by poaching was largely prevented by controlled grazing. The production and utilization of winter grass had no adverse effects on sward recovery in the subsequent spring.