FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What are High Sugar Grasses and why were they developed?

High Sugar Grass (HSG) is the term given to new ryegrass varieties that have been developed specifically to contain very high levels of water soluble carbohydrates (sugar). It was discovered over 20 years ago that livestock grazing on grass with higher sugar content could produce more meat and milk. Since then, grass breeders have worked to develop new grasses that incorporate this valuable trait with other important characteristics, such as high yields, persistency and disease resistance.
2. What are water soluble carbohydrates and how do they work?

High Sugar Grasses contain high amounts of water soluble carbohydrates (WSC). WSCs are the sugars found inside the plant cells themselves (rather than in the cell walls) and are a readily available source of energy soon after the forage enters the rumen. The increased WSCs in HSG varieties (up to 50% more than in traditional grass) allow microbes in the rumen to process grass protein more efficiently. This protein can then be utilized to increase meat and milk production while also reducing the amount of nitrogen lost through feces and urine.
3. Are High Sugar Grasses GMO products?

No. High Sugar Grasses have been developed using traditional grass breeding techniques.
4. What are the main economic benefits of High Sugar Grasses for the livestock farmer?

Extensive research has shown that High Sugar Grass varieties produce measurable performance benefits for dairy, beef and lamb producers, including:
  • Improved milk yield in dairy cows (up to 6% more milk over the grazing season)
  • Improved live weight gains in lambs and beef cattle (up to 20%)
  • Higher dry matter intakes (up to 38%/head per day)
5. Does HSG provide any other benefits?

There are significant environmental and production benefits. HSG allows for more efficient use of feed nitrogen and reduces the amount of nitrogen (up to 24%) excreted as waste into the environment. This is of great importance in the context of future farming practices; because nitrogen emissions by ruminant livestock are considerable, any technology that reduces overall levels is increasingly valuable.
The high sugar content in the grasses also contirbute to improved drought and cold tolerances, excellent spring growth and regrowth after grazing which in turn helps supress weeds.
6. Are the benefits of High Sugar Grasses retained in silage?

Ongoing research is showing that the higher levels of water soluble carbohydrates in High Sugar Grasses can lead to a higher feed value silage, particularly where effective inoculants are used to encourage an efficient fermentation. An effective additive will promote a rapid and efficient fermentation, which drops the pH quickly and maximizes the amount of sugar retained in silage.
7. How much higher is the sugar content of High Sugar Grasses compared with other grasses?

The level of water-soluble carbohydrates in all grass varieties varies according to the seasonal conditions and the growth period. Due to seasonal and management induced fluctuations in WSC content, comparisons cannot be made between varieties in different trials. However, research has shown that the High Sugar Grasses used in SucraSEED consistently contain higher levels of sugar when compared with other varieties in the same trial. Sugar contents of 115 g/kg higher than those of control varieties have been recorded for SucraSEED High Sugar Grasses:
WSC g/kg WSC g/kg WSC g/kg
Variety 1st cut 2nd cut 5th cut
AberEcho* 388.0 422.8 364.2
Aber Linnet 331.4 347.8 278.7
Solid 319.8 343.7 248.5

*High sugar grass
8. Have other independent researchers measured the sugar content of different varieties?

Trials to compare sugar levels of varieties have been conducted in Northern Ireland by DARD (Dept. of Agriculture and Rural Development), in Germany by DSV and in Denmark by Hunsballe. In all studies, the High Sugar Grasses used in SucraSEED recorded the highest levels of WSC.
9. What level of WSC content is needed to make a difference to livestock performance?

Trials to date at IGER, comparing High Sugar Grasses with conventional varieties, have shown that significant improvements in animal performance were recorded when the High Sugar Grasses had water soluble carbohydrate contents at least 40 g/kg DM higher than the control varieties. The average WSC level (g/kg DM) from three IGER trials that demonstrated an increase in animal performance was 152 g/kg for SucraSEED High Sugar Grasses compared with 101 g/kg for the control variety. Research is ongoing in this area.
10. Aren't all modern tetraploid ryegrass varieties high in sugar?

No. Both sets of independent variety trials in Ireland and Germany have shown that it is not possible to generalize about the sugar content of tetraploids.
11. Are there any other High Sugar Grass varieties available other than those used in SucraSEED?

IGER pioneered the concept of High Sugar Grass over 20 years ago and has also evaluated its development in ruminant trials. IGER scientists have the distinction of being the first breeders in the world to gain the UK National Recommended List approval for a variety that was specifically bred to contain high levels of sugar. As a result of growing recognition of the importance of high quality forages, several of the world's leading breeding programs are looking to introduce varieties with high sugar content; however, this will take a number of years.
12. What High Sugar Grass Varieties are used in SucraSEED?

AberAvon Perennial Ryegrass
AberDart Perennial Ryegrass
AberEcho Hybrid Ryegrass
13. Can I maintain my Organic Certification using the SucraSEED line of products?

Yes. If you would like more information please contact your distributor.
14. Where can I purchase SucraSEED?

SucraSEED is avialable through Amazon.com. For pastures of 5 acres or more, check out our dealers page to find the dealer nearest you.