Plantain
Plantain is a short-lived perennial herb that performs well in a range of pastures around New Zealand. Ecotain® environmental plantain is winter active, upright forage species. They are a broad-leaved, coarse rooted herb that can adapt to a range of soils, rainfalls and other environmental conditions.
Over the last few years forage herbs have become a major part of summer-proofing farm systems nationwide. The benefits to farms have been well researched and supported by industry groups such as DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb New Zealand.
Pure sward chicory, plantain or Ecotain environmental plantain are being used by many farmers as a multi-graze crop to boost farm production and profit. The key to any farm business is understanding which of these crops best matches their animal demands.
Agronomic benefits
- Very similar annual DM quantity and quality to ryegrass pasture
- Increases feed quality and/or supply during summer and autumn
- Improves speed of sward recovery after summer dry
- Improves cool season activity of pasture base
- Suitable as a 2-3 year crop option
- Establishes and competes in perennial ryegrass pastures
Animal performance benefits
- Positive impact on milk production when grass quality drops in summer
- Elevated mineral content (Zn, Cu, Se, Mg, Ca, K)
- Has the potential to reduce facial eczema spore levels
- Reduces dag production in sheep
- Liveweight gain benefits with higher dressing out percentage in lambs and cattle
Nitrate leaching mitigation
Ecotain® reduces nitrogen leaching from the urine patch using four independent mechanisms. With the potential to reduce N leaching from the urine patch by up to 89% when combined with other forage strategies, Ecotain is a game changer when it comes to managing N.
Research has demonstrated that not all plantains (current cultivars or breeding lines) are capable of reducing nitrate leaching from the urine patch through the four aspects Ecotain® can – Dilute, Reduce, Delay and Restrict.
In all other agronomic aspects, as well as environmental, Ecotain is an excellent example of a high quality, productive, forage.
Our Herbs Range
VIEW PRODUCTS
