You are here: SARDI Home  / Pastures  / Shrubs  / Enrich Shrub Evaluation

Print

Enrich^TM – building better grazing systems through perennial shrubs

The Future Farm Industries project, Enrich^TM focuses on the development of viable options for the livestock/cropping zone of southern Australia. It aims to explore the use of shrubs as a perennial feedbase for innovative and profitable grazing enterprises that are based on sound resource management principles. The goal is to redesign farmscapes in the livestock-cropping zone to achieve multiple benefits, including improved livestock production and health, environmental management such as increased water use, and production systems that address market pressures for ‘healthy’ and ethical production systems.

Why perennial shrubs?

Native perennials shrubs have the ability to grow in marginal, low-rainfall environments, which can increase a livestock enterprise’s resilience during periods of drought and its ability to respond to unseasonal rainfall. For the farmer there are multiple benefits including – a boost in productivity, improved stock health and environmental protection.

Specifically, benefits of perennial shrub based grazing systems are:

• Providing green feed over summer-autumn
• Making use of unseasonal rain by being ready to convert it to edible biomass
• Improving animal health through their nutritive and bioactive properties
• Providing shade and shelter for livestock
• Reducing salinity through more effective water use
• Reducing erosion and soil degradation through better land cover.
   

EnrichTM grazing trials with a diverse assembly of forage shrubs

Research focus

A key component of the Enrich^TM project being undertaken at SARDI is the selection and evaluation of suitable shrub species for use in these systems. Enrich^TM has identified over 100 species of woody perennials that have the potential to be used in shrub based grazing systems to deliver a range of benefits. Species were selected after a process involving a literature search and expert consultation. Species were chosen based on originating from the arid and semi-arid region of Australia, having a woody perennial life form, evidence of palatability and no weed history. An electronic database containing detailed information is maintained on 135 candidate species.

The SARDI Genetic Resource Centre undertook the process of sourcing seed of these candidate species. At three sites (one each in SA, NSW and WA) over 50 species have been planted for the purpose of evaluating their productivity, morphology, and general suitability to grazing. Productivity as assessed by canopy volume or edible biomass has varied widely, as has their ease of germination, reproductive habits, growth architecture and sensitivity to frost. Further evaluation will continue including assessing their regrowth after grazing.

 
Performance of the evaluation site at Monarto

Recently after much interest regarding the project, more than 10 farmer/landcare groups joined forces with Enrich^TM to evaluate a group of 15 promising species in their own region. The EnrichTM research team will maintain direct contact with the groups and assist in information flow, from site selection and establishment to monitoring the performance of the plants.

A standard set of procedures has been prepared for the groups to follow for planting, managing and measuring the sites. This will aid in minimising the variation across such a range of sites and operators and maximise the information gained.

Through collaborating partners at CSIRO Livestock Industries and the University of Western Australia EnrichTM also focuses on diet selection, the timing of nutrient provision and how feeds complement each other nutritionally. The project is examining the significance of plant compounds in rumen function and also in reducing methane production, as well as options for self-medication. For example, edible shrubs are being assessed for their ability to enhance rumen health or control internal parasites. Initial In vitro data suggests that further examination of some species in regard to their anthelmintic, nutrition and rumen modulating potential is warranted.

Sheep grazing at Monarto

Forage systems based on single species are unlikely to be suitable as a sole feed source. However, there is potential to integrate a mix of suitable plant types together to form what has been described as “polyculture” grazing systems. A mixture of plant types may not only be more resilient but may also supply a more-balanced livestock diet. It has been suggested that it may be more productive to meet livestock and environmental objectives by using a suite of species than searching for a single species that meets all desirable criteria. How these components of the systems interact with the introduction of grazing animals also needs to be investigated. Understanding the key principles behind the diet selection of grazing animals will also be critical in successfully managing more complex grazing systems.

For further information on the Enrich^TM project contact:
Jason Emms 08 8303 9602