Effect of sod-seeding bloat-free legumes on pasture productivity, steer performance, and production economics

A 5 yr experiment evaluated the effects of sod-seeding sainfoin and cicer milkvetch into monoculture grass (Lanigan, SK) or legume (Lethbridge, AB) stands on pasture productivity, steer performance, and economics. At Lanigan, sainfoin decreased (treatment x year P = 0.01) from 13% in year 1 to 2% in year 2 (% plant population) and did not differ thereafter, whereas cicer milkvetch maintained a proportion of 16% in the stand. Forage yield was greater (treatment x year; P < 0.01) in year 1 in the sainfoin and cicer milkvetch treatments compared with control. Dry matter intake of steers was greater only in year 5 and average daily gain was greater (P < 0.01) in sainfoin and cicer milkvetch treatments compared with control. At Lethbridge, sainfoin decreased (treatment x year; P = 0.01) from 46% to 17% (% dry matter yield), whereas cicer milkvetch maintained its proportion at 11%. Forage yield increased (treatment x year; P < 0.01) only in years 2 and 3 of sainfoin, compared with cicer milkvetch or control. Average daily gain gain was not affected by treatment. At Lanigan, sainfoin and cicer milkvetch generated greater gross returns compared with control; however, once establishment costs were applied, there were no differences in the present value of net returns.