Diamond Multispecies - MSS Measure

Diamond Multispecies - MSS Measure has been formulated so that each species brings additions to the sward. The inclusion of legumes is important to be able to capture nitrogen from the air and fix it in the sward. This can facilitate a reduction in fertiliser application.

White Clover is best for grazing while a mix of White and Red Clover are best for silage. The addition of the clovers also improves palatability with high forage intakes being achieved. Clovers also raise the protein content in silage. Plantain is added to the mixture as it may reduce Nitrogen leaching.

Due to the deep root systems of Plantain and Chicory, these species not only collect nutrients from greater depths but are also more drought resistant. Due to the multispecies mixture of Diamond Multispecies - MSS Measure, the variety of shapes and height of the differing species are able to outcompete weeds which prohibits the establishment of weeds and acts like a weed suppressor.

Included in the Diamond Multispecies - MSS Measure

Astonenergy 
5 star Graze out variety with unbeatable sward quality

Oakpark
Highly productive late diploid bred by Teagasc. High ground cover important for weed suppression as post emergence herbicide not an option

Timothy
Grows well in wet and peaty soils and has superior winter hardness.

Milvus
Proven high production and persistence under grazing

Crusader
The most popular white clover in Irish grazing systems over 20 years

Tuatara
Late season plantain that maintains quality in the mid season

Captain
​Early type plantain that has higher productivity in the spring period

Chicory
​Highly productive, leafy type chicory

Extremely highly digestible leaf material, giving animal performance benefits in early life of sward. Proven not to be persistent under very tight grazing. Antiparasitic properties.

What is the difference between Tetraploid and Diploid?
The main difference between diploid and tetraploid ryegrass is the number of chromosomes per cell. Diploid plants have two sets of chromosomes per cell whilst tetraploids have four. As a result Tetraploids have an increased cell size and have a higher ratio of cell contents (soluble carbohydrates) to cell wall (fibre).

This means that tetraploids have a higher water content per cell and are more palatable. This leads to a high graze out of livestock. However with less tillers tetraploids have a worse ground cover rate which can leave a gappy sward. This can be good for allowing clover to grow but can if are the only grass in a sward can leave the pasture exposed to poaching.

Diploid in comparison have more tillers per plant meaning they will have better ground cover than tetraploids. Due to the lower water content per cell, diploids have a higher dry matter per kg of feed, meaning they cure and wilt easier when making hay or silage. They also offer more energy than tetraploid plants. Both diploid and tetraploid plants will have similar protein levels. A mix of both is required regardless of what you are looking from your grass. However a higher percentage of tetraploid is better for grazing while a greater number of Diploids is more advisable for silage or hay meadows.

Animal performance benefits of Tetraploids
Tetraploid ryegrasses offer several benefits in terms of animal performance. Due to the higher ratio of cell contents to cell wall, tetraploid plants offer several benefits for animal performance. One benefit is that it is more palatable to animals which improves intake and therefore leads to an increased animal production. In addition tetraploid cells consist of easily available nutrients, such as sugars and starches necessary for more efficient rumen function.

However it is important to remember that tetraploids higher water content in the cells so when livestock are full from grazing the actual dry matter intake could be lower compared to that of diploids plants. A mix of tetraploid and diploid ryegrass could achieve a more balanced pasture, retaining a good level of dry matter production, an improved balance of quality feed and if used for silage will be more easily cured than a pure tetraploid pasture.

Grazing management
It is important to monitor grazing pressures on tetraploid ryegrasses as they are sensitive to overgrazing because of their excellent palatability. If grazing occurs to a lower level than with diploid ryegrasses it may compromise persistence. Similar to diploid ryegrasses, tetraploid ryegrass require nitrogen applications to a similar level to ensure good growth after grazing.

Farm management benefits
Tetraploid ryegrasses have higher establishment costs than diploids as the recommended sowing rate for tetraploids is higher due to the larger size of the seed (2-3 times heavier). If planting tetraploid ryegrass in a mix, the plants will allow up to 10% more clover in the pasture due to the reduced tiller density promoting an increased pasture quality.

What are the advantages of reseeding grass?

• Reseeding grass is one of the highest paying investments that a livestock farmer can take advantage of.
• Reseeding will deliver higher grass dry matter yields and higher quality of grass.
• For every tonne of grass dry matter used there is an increase in profit of up to €160 for the farm.
• Reseeding will increase your grass production by at least 10% each year

Advantages of using Diamond Grass Seed Mix

• All Diamond Grass Seed Mixes have the best varieties of grass available
• All ryegrass and clover variety are taken from the Irish Recommended list and have been tested by Teagasc.
• Diamond Grass Seed Mixes have been designed with studies by Teagasc and elsewhere taken into account.
• Diamond Grass Seed Mixes have been designed to increase profits for farmers.
• There are Diamond Grass Seed Mixes designed for all soil types as well as mixes designed for what you expect from your grass seed.

For a copy of the Irish Recomended List click here
​For a copy of our grass brochure click here

Need a custom mix? Contact us here and a member of our team will be in touch.

Due to stock availability sometimes a seed variant may be substituted for a suitable alternative.