| Quality Descriptions | Digest Green (%) | Digest Dead (%) | Legume (%) | Dead (%) | Characteristics |
| Very High | 75% | 45% | 60% | 10% | Consists of high proportion of legumes such as sub-clover, white clover, medics or lucerne. Grass pasture species that present are generally highly digestible perennials. There is a very low proportion of low digestibility annuals and ‘dead’ pasture within sward. |
| High | 75% | 45% | 30% | 10% | Comprised of highly digestible perennial grass species such as ryegrass, phalaris or fescue. Have a reasonable proportion of clover present (around 30%). Very low amounts of ‘dead’ plant material in the pasture sward |
| Medium | 70% | 45% | 15% | 20% | Typically consists of a mix of highly digestible perennial grasses and moderate to low digestibility annual grass species. The legume content of pasture species within the sward is typically low at 15%. The mount of ‘dead’ plant herbage generally around 20%. |
| Low | 65% | 45% | 5% or less | Up to 50% | Typically has large proportion of low digestibility species (e.g. Onion grass, silver grass). May contain a proportion of moderate digestibility species (e.g. Cocksfoot, barley grass). Very low clover content. May also have high levels of dead plant material in sward. |
Pasture quality for mixed swards
Article printed April 19, 2024. For the latest version, please go to: https://feedinglivestock.vic.gov.au/pasture-resources/pasture-quality-for-mixed-swards/
