II. Animal production

Abstract

Over a 5-year period on a central yellow-grey earth on the Wairarapa Plains near Masterton, ewe live weight responded to a higher rate of superphosphate (500 v. 125 kg/ha/year) but wool and lamb production showed no response, whereas ewe live weight as well as wool and lamb production responded to lime. Lime by stocking rate interactions throughout the data emphasised the importance of full utilisation of pasture if animal production responses to lime and fertiliser treatment are to be measured. Stocking rate had a marked effect on production throughout the trial except for the final year. Lime had no effect on stock performance or health that could not reasonably be attributed to increased available pasture dry matter. Optimum stocking rates for limed and unlimed pastures under a set stocking management system are suggested.