Two improved native pastures were established by phosphoric (P) fertilisation and oversowing of:white clover (Trifolium repens ) mixed with birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)(TbL) and annual lotus (Lotus subbiflorus) (Rin). Such pastures were evaluated during 5 years with steers at two stocking rates (High and Low) and two grazing managements (Rotational and Alternate). Presence of legumes was high and botanical changes were favourable in both pastures that evidenced good persistence.

The productivity and profitability of the use of maize silage (MS) within pasture-based beef production systems was evaluated using the Farmax Pro® model. Farm systems were simulated based on an intensive oneyear-old steer production system with two pasture growth patterns (Waikato and Hawkes Bay), three different proportions of the farm in MS production (0%, 5% or 10%) and MS fed either during winter (W) or summer (S). MS cost 13.5 and 16.1 c/kg dry matter (DM) for Waikato and Hawkes Bay respectively. This price included the cost of growing, harvesting, ensiling and feeding.