P1: Unlocking the Potential of Kikuyu
This project is exploring new management options to grow and utilise more Kikuyu over summer and increase the productivity of Kikuyu-based pastures.
P1 includes specific projects investigating the use of using advanced technologies and remote sensing monitoring systems, the genetic diversity of Kikuyu, key antinutritional factors, environmental impact of Kikuyu-based systems, and opportunities for real time prediction and manipulation of its nutritive value for the animals.
P1 project primary activities
- Identify and quantify key impediments to achieve productivity gains from tropical grasses (kikuyu-based pasture) on commercial farms in NSW farms.
- Work with 10-15 farms in 3 regions (North Coast; Hunter/Mid Coast; Bega/South Coast) to help them to increase productivity by > 20%.
- Integrate remote sensing-derived data with advanced simulation modelling to predict changes in the nutritive value of kikuyu and other species commonly used in NSW.
- Identify and quantify genetic diversity in selected dairy-specific traits of kikuyu.
- Quantify C emissions on intensively managed pasture-based systems.
- Use resources from 1 to 5 to work collaboratively with EMAI to unveil the long-term problem of kikuyu toxicity (poisoning).
- Develop (from 2) an orchestrated network of leading farmers and advanced farming systems for innovative extension programs.
P1 Lead/co-ordinator:
Prof. Sergio (Yani) Garcia
Professor of Dairy Science and Dairy UP Program Leader | University of Sydney