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

A five-year 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 × year P = 0.01) from 13% in yr 1 to 2% in yr 2 (% plant population) and did not differ thereafter, while cicer milkvetch, maintained a proportion of 16% in the stand. Forage yield was greater (treatment × year; P < 0.01) in yr 1 in the sainfoin and cicer milkvetch treatments compared to control. DMI of steers was greater only in yr 5 and ADG was greater (P < 0.01) in sainfoin and cicer milkvetch treatments compared to control. At Lethbridge, sainfoin decreased (treatment × year; P = 0.01) from 46 to 17% (% DM yield), while cicer milkvetch maintained its proportion at 11%. Forage yield increased (treatment × year; P < 0.01) only in yr 2 and 3 of sainfoin, compared to cicer milkvetch or control. ADG gain was not affected by treatment. At Lanigan, sainfoin and cicer milkvetch generated greater gross returns compared to control; however, once establishment costs were applied there were no differences in present value of net returns.