Effect of pasture sward mix on Pithomyces chartarum spore counts in New Zealand.

A set of 18 × 0.5 ha paddocks at the DairyNZ research farm in Hamilton made up from three replicates of six sward mixes had pasture collected weekly from 31 January 2012 to 9 May 2012 and spore counts ofPithomyces chartarumwere determined. Low diversity (LD) meant that the paddock was sown with a single grass species (tall fescue, high sugar cultivar, ryegrass) and white clover. High diversity (HD) meant that the paddock was sown with a single grass species and white clover plus prairie grass, chicory, plantain and lucerne. The study aims were to assess the benefit of diversity and sward type in the control of facial eczema. There was no difference in spore counts over time between high diversity and low diversity pastures (P = 0.43). Both tall fescue paddocks (LD and HD) showed a lower spore count over time in comparison with low diversity ryegrass (P = 0.055 and 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]