AWI’s Enrich project is developing principles for new grazing systems based on perennial shrubs. The integration of perennial shrubs and pasture species in low rainfall environments will diversify the available food sources, fill feed gaps and provide a more reliable feedbase in low and variable rainfall environments.

The project, in conjunction with the Future Farm Industries CRC:

• Used modelling to investigate the value of fodder shrubs in mixed farming systems
• Identified productive shrub and pasture combinations using feed quality data from new and improved NIR calibrations for fodder shrubs
• Determined the role of bioactive compounds in fodder shrubs that may reduce methane production, protein breakdown, acid production and/or worm burdens
• Published guidelines for the successful use of forage shrubs, including managing grazing animal behaviour, in mixed farming systems.

The new publication 'Perennial forage shrubs providing profitable and sustainable grazing - key practical findings from the Enrich project' is now available to download (PDF 2Mb), or order a free copy by calling the AWI Helpline on 1800 070 099.