An Investigation into the Ensilage of Multispecies Swards

Callan, Ryan (2026) An Investigation into the Ensilage of Multispecies Swards. Doctoral thesis, Dundalk Institute of Technology.

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Abstract

Multispecies swards (MSS) have demonstrated multifunctional benefits in both a productivity and environmental aspect as a grassland forage, facilitating more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems. However, the silage dynamics and associated management of these swards requires increased exploration to inform the optimum use on-farm. This project investigated the effects of varying botanical composition and selected silage manipulations on MSS ensiling losses and quality. The individual species effects and species interaction effects between commonly sown species in newly established MSS were quantified. Individual species effects had the greatest influence in mixtures, with PRG exhibiting the majority of optimal effects of species examined. However functional group diversity further improved fermentation quality from the inclusion of legumes and herbs, through the addition of diverse species identity effects and additive interactions. The effects of cutting at different diurnal timings and delaying harvest date on pre-ensilage fermentation quality indicators were examined. Later harvesting resulted in more substantial impacts on ensilabiliy than a later cutting time. Despite decreases in nutritive value with later harvest dates, fermentation quality indicators tended to increase concurrently. In a subsequent study, a longer wilting duration was the most valuable intervention to minimise effluent and DM losses, however mechanically treating swards had impactful effects on achieving an appropriate DM content in a shorter wilt. This mechanical treatment helped decrease the density of mowed swaths and allowed for a more consistent drying rate among all forage in the study. Increased protein content from additional fertiliser applications predominantly avoided degradation during MSS silage fermentation in a fertiliser application study. Assessing the botanical composition of a diverse sward prior to silage harvesting can help inform silage management strategies due to the inherent ensilability characteristics of species.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	Science > Biology Science
Research Centres:	UNSPECIFIED
Depositing User:	Joseph Lynch
Date Deposited:	01 Sep 2026 08:12
Last Modified:	01 Sep 2026 08:12
URI:	https://eprints.dkit.ie/id/eprint/1102

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