Origin: | Africa |
Scientific name: | Lolium perenne spp. |
Common name: | Perennial Rye grass / Meerjarige Raaigras |
Vegetative cycle: | Perennial |
Soil fertility: | High (well drained) |
Growth habit: | Bunchgrass |
Height: | < 1 m |
Utilisation: | Direct grazing, Hay-making & Silage |
Type of animal: | Cattle, Sheep, Horses, Goats, Game |
Palatability: | Medium |
Digestibility: | High |
Rainfall requirements: | > 1500 mm/year |
Drought tolerance: | Low |
Cold tolerance: | Medium |
Crude protein content: | 10 – 15 % (during peak season growth) |
Plant date: | February – April |
Planting equipment: | Hand, Fine seed sower, Fert. spreader |
Sowing depth: | 10 – 15 mm |
Seeds per hectare: | 25 kg/Ha |
Forage production: | 18 – 22 ton DM/ha/year |