The sandplain lupin : its nutritional value and grazing management

Authors

P W. Morcombe

Keywords

Lupinus varius, Nutritive value, Grazing, Cultivation, Western Australia

Disciplines

Other Animal Sciences | Other Plant Sciences | Sheep and Goat Science | Veterinary Toxicology and Pharmacology

First Page Number

108

Last Page Number

110

ISSN

0021-8618

Abstract

The sandplain lupin or Western Australian blue lupin (Lupinus cosentinii) was introduced to the West Midlands at the turn of the last century. Since that time it has been used as a self-regenerating summer forage for sheep and cattle.

Being deep rooted, it has adapted well to the sandy soils from Perth to Northampton, and plantings now cover more than 100,000 ha.

As few other improved pasture species will persist on these deep sands the sandplain lupin provides an important source of summer feed for grazing livestock. A stand can be grazed throughout summer at stocking rates of 10 to 15 sheep/ha as long as lupinosis is avoided by correct management.

The cultivation of the sandplain lupin as a cash crop is restricted by its high alkaloid level in the seeds and shattering pods.

Recommended Citation

Morcombe, P W. (1989) "The sandplain lupin : its nutritional value and grazing management," Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4: Vol. 30: No. 3, Article 8.
Available at: https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/journal_agriculture4/vol30/iss3/8