Effects of fallen snow on the voluntary intake and grazing behavior of Hokkaido native horses in winter woodland with underlying Sasa senanensis

The intake, digestibility, and grazing behavior of Hokkaido native horses were investigated in winter woodland with underlying Sasa senanensis. Twenty Hokkaido native horses were grazed in a woodland (8.52 ha) for 14 days in December (snowy; 20 cm of snow fall) and in November (non‐snowy) of the next year. Three mares (360 kg of average bodyweight) were used in each experiment. The fecal collection, used to investigate the intake and digestibility by the double‐indicator method, and behavioral observations were carried out for 24 h on the 6th day in each experiment. During the snowy and non‐snowy periods, the dry matter intakes of sasa foliage were 7.3 and 9.6 kg/d, respectively, which is 2.1 and 2.7% when expressed as a percentage of bodyweight. The apparent digestibility of nutrients and energy released during the snowy and non‐snowy periods were similar. The proportions of digestible energy intakes to maintenance requirement in the mares were 119 and 164% during the snowy and non‐snowy periods, respectively. Their bodyweight remained constant during the non‐snowy period; however, a slight loss in their bodyweight was observed during the snowy period. The duration of grazing on sasa foliage was 416 and 544 min/d during the snowy and non‐snowy periods, respectively, the daily grazing area of the mares during these periods was 2.0 and 5.1 ha, respectively. In other words, the area during the snowy period was smaller than that during the non‐snowy period (P < 0.05). Fallen snow, even with a depth of approximately 20 cm, inhibited the grazing behavior and intake of sasa foliage by Hokkaido native horses grazing in winter woodland pasture.     

圈养麇鹿冬季昼间行为及活动规律

2008年11-12月在济南动物园,采用瞬时扫描取样法、焦点动物取样法和全事件取样法,对9只圈养麋鹿的行为及活动规律进行了研究。结果表明,麇鹿冬季行为时间分配比例依次为卧息（36．45％±7．34％）、取食（24．79％±8．11％）、运动（18．67％±5．93％）、反刍（17．50％±5．52％）、其他（2．59％±0．87％）。在冬季麋鹿的卧息在1d内有1个高峰期（12：30～14：30）,取食在1d中有2个高峰期（8：30～9：30和17：30～18：30）,占糜鹿各种行为比例最多的2种行为在1d中是交替出现的,运动在10：30和15：30各有1个较为明显的高峰期,反刍在1d中有1个高峰期（9：30～11：30）,其他行为在1d中发生的较为随机,没有明显的高峰期。年龄因素对糜鹿冬季昼间的卧息、取食和运动行为的影响差异极显著（P〈0．01）,对其他行为影响显著（P〈0．05）,对反刍行为影响不显著（P〉0．05）;性别因素对糜鹿冬季昼间的行为影响不显著（P〉0．05）。     

西宁南山草地生产力评价

通过对西宁南山草地随机取样测定,在放牧、人畜践踏等人为干扰下,草地生产力处于下降趋势,在封育措施下,草地生产力逐渐恢复,在封育加人工灌溉条件下,草地生产力大幅度提高。     

Effects of human disturbance on nest placement of the woodpigeon (Columba palumbus): a case study from the Middle Atlas,Morocco

The woodpigeon (Columba palumbus) is a common and widespread bird in Morocco (North Africa). I examined, over 2 years (2010 and 2011), the breeding density and nest placement of this game species in relation to nest site habitat and degree of human disturbance. The study area was in the Middle Atlas Tighboula mountain forest, Morocco, in a disturbed and an undisturbed site. Using data collected in the 2 study sites, I aimed to identify the factors influencing the placement of nests within holm oak trees (Quercus rotundifolia) and their densities. I found that habitat structures, influenced by grazing disturbance, have affected nesting density and the location of nests of this species. Woodpigeons place their nests in a higher position (3.42 ± 0.19 m) when disturbance intensity is high and lower (1.68 ± 0.1 m) when disturbance intensity is low, and show higher nesting density in less disturbed zone (3.1 ± 0.4 nests/ha) than in highly disturbed zones (1.4 ± 0.2 nests/ha). Grazing disturbance could pose a threat to population persistence at a broader scale and could potentially reduce the abundance of this species by altering the composition and the structure of the forest nesting habitat. Further multi‐scale studies are needed to assess the effects of different levels of grazing disturbance on woodpigeon nest density and placement, and to enhance our knowledge of the breeding behavior of this game species under variable environments.     

How do visual and auditory cues influence calf stress reactions at weaning?

We investigated the effects of visual and auditory information related to cow and calf stress responses at weaning. Three weaning conditions were established with physical separation only (PS), physical and visual separation (VS), and physical, visual and auditory separation (VAS). Stress responses such as vocalization and self‐grooming, and changes of three maintenance behaviors (lying, walking and grazing) were recorded for experimental cows and calves in the respective conditions. Comparison of the data revealed that the cow responses differed slightly among groups. However, the peak frequency of vocalization was higher in the PS calves than in those of either VS or VAS. Self‐grooming frequency was significantly different in calves and was high in the order of VAS, VS and PS calves. Furthermore, the percentage of time spent lying down was greater, and that of walking was less, in VAS calves than in either VS or PS calves. These results demonstrate that different information at weaning might strongly affect the stress responses of calves but not those of cows. Relative impacts of different types sensory information on stressors must be considered to plan animal‐friendly weaning.     

Dietary selection of sheep grazing the semi‐arid grasslands of Inner Mongolia,China at different grazing intensities

The objective of this study was to investigate dietary selection of sheep grazing semi‐arid grassland in Inner Mongolia, China, using the difference in organic matter digestibility (OMD) of herbage ingested and herbage on offer as indicator for selection. Faecal N was used as digestibility index for herbage ingested (FOMD), while OMD of herbage on offer (GOMD) was estimated from gas production obtained by the Hohenheim gas test. It was hypothesized that the difference between FOMD and GOMD is high, when grazing animals select against low quality herbage provided that herbage is abundant. In a grazing experiment, six grazing intensities (1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 6.0, 7.5 and 9.0 sheep/ha), representing light to very heavy grazing intensity for the semi‐arid grassland, were compared. The amount of herbage on offer decreased with increasing grazing intensity. Independent statistical analysis of FOMD and GOMD showed that the differences between grazing intensities for both OMD determinations (FOMD: 54.0–57.3%, GOMD: 55.2–57.5%) were not significant (p > 0.05). The difference between FOMD and GOMD was not significant for grazing intensities, but varied between sampling periods from ?4 to 1 percentage units. In conclusion, the lack of significance for the difference between FOMD and GOMD suggests that for the semi‐arid grassland of Inner Mongolia, China, sheep did not select their feed due to a homogeneous nutritional composition of herbage on offer in 2005, regardless of grazing intensity.     

Heat tolerance and the effects of shade on the behavior of Simmental bulls on pasture

The objectives were to assess the degree of thermolysis capacity as a characteristic of heat tolerance of the Simmental beef cattle and evaluate the effects of shade and shade type (artificial: AS, trees: TS, or no shade: NS) on daily behavior patterns during summer. Black globe temperature (BGT) was different under the two types of shade (P < 0.05) and was lower under the TS (P < 0.01) and under AS (P > 0.01) than average BGT in the sun. Animals when in AS used more intensely the shade (P = 0.002) mostly lying down under it (10.00–14.00 hours), while time standing was similar (P = 0.107) between TS and NS. Bulls without shade (NS) spent significantly more time at the water trough and most part of the day standing idle (72.4%, 10.1 h/14 h). TS bulls spent more time grazing/standing (P < 0.001). The Simmental bulls that were in TS and AS spent more time ruminating than bulls that stay without shade (NS). The availability of shade changes grazing, rumination and idling behavior of cattle in response to environmental conditions. Shade provided by trees can be more efficient than artificial shading as cattle spent more time grazing when tree shade was available. Thermolysis capacity can be used to select heat‐tolerant animals.     

Comparison of time budget of behaviors between penned and ranged young cattle focused on general and oral behaviors

To consider cattle welfare, time budget of behaviors of young cattle in pen and pasture conditions were compared. Behavioral observations of 103 steers in seven pens and 1136 steers in six ranges were performed during daylight over 3 days in each rearing condition. The pen condition had Japanese Black × Holstein cross, and the pasture conditions had assorted breeds of Angus, Murray Grey, Shorthorn, Hereford, Santa Gertrudis and their crosses aged 5–15 months. The ranges varied in vegetation from extensive native pasture to intensive improved pasture. The daytime proportion of behaviors and activity patterns were compared between rearing conditions. The proportion of walking was much lower in the pen condition (1.0 ± 0.2%) compared to all pasture conditions (at least 9.4 ± 4.0%; all P < 0.05), but grooming (5.9 ± 1.2%), investigating (2.5 ± 0.2%) and tongue playing (1.1 ± 0.2%) covered the loss. Fluctuation patterns of the proportions of eating (P < 0.001) and resting (P < 0.001) were different between pen and pasture conditions, whereas the pattern of the proportion of walking was not different. The proportion of eating in the pen condition (32.4 ± 0.3%) was not different to that in one on the farm (42.2 ± 12.6%), which had a thick improved pasture. However, the proportion of eating in the pen condition (32.4 ± 0.3%) was lower than that in two farms (58.8 ± 5.0% and 61.6 ± 16.5%) with low pasture availability (both P < 0.05). The proportions of oral behaviors such as self‐grooming (3.9 ± 1.0%), allogrooming (2.0 ± 0.2%), licking objects (1.3 ± 0.4%) and tongue‐playing (1.1 ± 0.2%) compensated for the lack of eating. These results indicate that we can learn a well‐balanced proportion of behaviors for cattle by making comparisons of time budget of behaviors and activity pattern between various rearing conditions. In addition, it is indicated that cattle under pen conditions under a restricted feeding period might compensate for a lower time spent feeding by performing other oral behaviors.     

Seasonal foraging patterns of forest‐grazing Japanese Black heifers with increased plasma total antioxidant capacity

Forest‐grazing enables the intake of high total antioxidant capacity (TAC) plants that might be beneficial for the TAC status of cattle. This study evaluated the relation between the seasonal foraging patterns of forest‐grazing Japanese Black (JB) heifers or the TAC levels in shrubs and trees and the changes of plasma TAC. We examined 12 JB heifers, four each of which were allocated to forest‐grazing (F), pasture‐grazing, and pen‐housed groups. The plasma TAC level in F heifers on July 26, August 13, 30 and September 17 were significantly higher than those on April 27 and June 4 (P < 0.05). In F group, the mean rates of foraging frequency (FF) of shrubs and trees during July 5–8 and September 13–16 were much higher than that during May 31–June 3 (P < 0.05). The rate of FF of grass significantly decreased later in the season (P < 0.05). The mean TAC levels in these shrubs and trees were higher than those in grasses, concentrates, and timothy hay. Results suggest that an important factor in the increase of plasma TAC in forest‐grazing cattle might be the increased foraging of TAC‐rich shrubs and trees during summer–fall.     

Estimating purine derivatives and nitrogen compound excretion using total urine collection or spot urine samples in grazing heifers

The study aimed to evaluate the excretion of purine derivatives (PDs) and nitrogen compounds (NCs) and their ratios with creatinine in supplemented Zebu heifers kept on pastures by comparing total urine collection and spot sampling. Five Nelore heifers (400 ± 15 kg) were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. The treatments were the amount of concentrate (220 g of crude protein/kg dry matter) offered (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 g/kg BW). In each period, the total urine collection was performed continuously for 3 days (subsampled at intervals of 4 h, 00:00–04:00 h, 04:00–08:00 h, 08:00–12:00 h, 12:00–16:00 h, 16:00–20:00 h and 20:00–24:00 h). The spot urine samplings were performed (in each period) for 24 h (0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 h). Creatinine, total urinary nitrogen (UN), urea nitrogen (UreaN), allantoin and uric acid were analysed. Creatinine excretion was 23.01 ± 0.19 mg/kg BW and was not affected by collection day, treatment or their interactions (p > 0.05). Treatments affected (p < 0.05) PD excretions, however did not affect the ratio PD:creatinine (p > 0.05). Treatments and collection time affected (p < 0.05) NC excretion, whereas the UN:creatinine and UreaN:creatinine ratios were not affected (p > 0.05). Creatinine excretion and the PD:creatinine ratios in the urine samples estimated by the total or spot sampling were not different (p > 0.05). However, sampling method affected (p < 0.05) the UN:creatinine and UreaN:creatinine (p < 0.05) ratios. Creatinine can adequately estimate urinary excretion in grazing heifers, and a single spot urine sample at any time of the day can be used to estimate PD excretion in grazing heifers. But two spot urine samples are needed for proper NC excretion estimations in grazing heifers’ urine.     

An effective buprenorphine analgesic protocol increases post-operative adhesions in rats after laparotomy

The use of analgesics in post‐operative adhesion (POA) research is problematic due to POA‐inhibiting effects of anti‐inflammatory agents and bowel motility‐inhibiting effects of opioids, which may increase adhesion formation. This study was conducted to assess a buprenorphine (BUP) protocol for analgesic efficacy and its effects on POA formation in a rat cecal abrasion model. The protocol was approved by the University of Florida's Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Forty‐one female Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomized into two groups (n = 20 or 21 group). Body weight, food and water intake were recorded daily from 2 days before until 7 days after surgery. Treatment rats received 0.05 mg kg^–1 BUP SQ at anesthesia induction and 0.3 mg kg^–1 BUP orally in flavored gelatin 6 hours after surgery. Control rats received saline placebo injection and plain gelatin. All rats underwent laparotomy and controlled cecal abrasion. At 3, 6 and 24 hours post‐operatively rats were individually observed in 10‐minutes periods for pain related behavior incidence: ‘twitch’ (contraction of muscles along dorsum and/or head), ‘back arch’ (cat‐like position with front legs extended and pushing backward), ‘writhe’ (flank contraction), and ‘stagger/fall’ (momentary loss of balance while grooming or ambulating), using the method of Roughan and Flecknell (Pain 2001,90, 65–74). On post‐op day seven rats were euthanized by CO₂ inhalation and POA evaluated (0 to 4 scale; ³Grade 2 = clinically significant.) BUP treated rats had lower mean pain scores than control rats at 3 hours (1.6 ± 1.7 versus 20.3 ± 13.5 (mean ± SD); p < 0.001) and 6 hours (2.1 ± 2.7 versus 23.7 ± 12.9; p < 0.001) but not 24 hours (1.5 ± 1.3 versus 4.9 ± 6.6; p = 0.35) post‐operatively. Predominant pain behavior was ‘writhe’ (flank contraction) in contrast to ‘twitch,’‘back arch,’ and ‘stagger/fall’ reported as most common pain indicators in other rat strains. BUP rats had greater mean adhesion incidence (2.4 ± 1.7 versus 1.4 ± 1.8; p < 0.03) and severity (90%³Gr.2 versus 65% of controls; p < 0.05). The BUP protocol appeared to provide effective analgesia for at least 24 hours post‐operatively. Strain of rat may affect pain related behavior. BUP should be used with caution after abdominal surgical procedures having high risk of POA formation.     

青海省海南州高寒草地荒漠化治理技术与对策

总结了海南州高寒干旱草地荒漠化特征和成因,分析出气候变化、毁草开荒、超载过牧、鼠类危害、利用不当、执法不严等是草地荒漠化的主要原因,通过对荒漠化草地实行人工补播优良牧草、灭除毒草、消灭鼠害、禁牧封育、暖棚养畜、营造饲料护牧林等措施,提出了防止草地荒漠化的对策及治理技术.     

盐池草地禁牧期间农牧民违规放牧现象分析

随着禁牧政策的全面实施,放牧草地得以休养生息.但禁牧区农牧民从其短期经济效益出发,违规进行放牧以增加经济收入,以致政府全面禁牧的宏观政策不能很好地执行,部分草场生态再次恶化.为此根据草场面积、草场管理方式、地理位置等综合因素在禁牧区选择了234户农牧户用抽样调查和实地调查的方法对农牧户的违规放牧行为进行调查,并从养殖成本、地理位置、草场使用权界定、禁牧政策等方面探讨分析农牧民违规放牧行为发生的原因,寻求改变禁牧区农牧民的生产行为方式,解决禁牧与放牧矛盾,以达到保护和合理利用草场、恢复生态、增加农牧民经济收入的目的.     

Parity and litter size effects on maternal behavior of Small Tail Han sheep in China

The effects of parity and litter size on maternal behavior of Small Tail Han sheep was investigated at Linyi University, China. Sixty‐eight ewes were observed from parturition to weaning. Continuous focal animal sampling was used to quantify the duration of maternal behaviors. Ewe feces were collected every 2 days and estradiol concentration was measured with an enzyme immunoassay kit. All lambs were weighed 24 h after parturition and again at 35 days of age. Parity increased sucking, following, grooming, low‐pitched bleat, head‐up and udder‐refusal behavior and decreased aggressive behavior (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, P < 0.05, P < 0.05, P < 0.05, P < 0.01, respectively), and litter size showed significant effect on sucking, following and low‐pitched bleat behavior (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively). The lambs of multiparous ewes were significantly heavier than primiparous ewes at birth (P < 0.01) and were significantly heavier at weaning age (P < 0.01). Similar results were founded for birth weight and weaning weight gain in litter size (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, respectively). Estradiol concentration in feces was higher in multiparous ewes than primiparous ewes. Parity and litter size may have effects on maternal behavior during lactation. Ewes that have 2–3 lambs may be more suitable for production of Small Tail Han sheep in China.     

Influence of the calf presence during milking on dairy performance,milk fatty acid composition,lipolysis and cheese composition in Salers cows during winter and grazing seasons

The milking of Salers cows requires the presence of the calf. The removal of the calf would simplify the milking routine, but it could also modify the milk yield and the milk and cheese composition. Therefore, the aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of calf presence during milking during sampling period (winter or grazing periods), on dairy performance, milk fatty acid (FA) composition, lipolysis and cheese yield and composition. Nine and 8 Salers lactating cows were milked in the presence (CP) or absence (CA) of their calves respectively. During winter, the cows were fed a hay‐based diet and then they only grazed a grassland pasture. Calf presence during milking increased milk yield and milk 16:0 concentration and decreased milk fat content and milk total odd‐ and branched‐chain FA (OBCFA) concentrations. Calf presence only increased initial lipolysis in milk collected during the winter season. Milk from CP cows compared to CA cows resulted in a lower cheese yield and ripened cheeses with lower fat content. Milk from the grazing season had lower saturated medium‐chain FA and OBCFA concentrations and higher 18:0, cis‐9‐18:1, trans‐11‐18:1 and cis‐9, trans‐11‐CLA concentrations than that from the winter season. Initial milk lipolysis was higher in the winter than in the grazing season. These variations could be due to seasonal changes in the basal diet. Furthermore, the effect of calf presence during milking on milk fat composition was lower than that on dairy performance, cheese yield and composition. Removing the calf during the milking of Salers cows seems feasible without a decrease in milked milk, and with a positive effect on cheese yield and fat content, under the condition that we are able to select cows having the capacity to be milked easily without the calf.     

高山草原放牧率与群落物种丰富度

选择甘肃省肃南裕固族自治县甘肃马鹿(Cervus elaphus kansuensis)养殖场冬季牧场不同牧压梯度的6个样地,采用巢式样方法调查草地植物群落的物种数,研究了甘肃马鹿山地草原放牧系统放牧率与草地群落物种丰富度的关系。结果表明,放牧强度梯度上,冬季牧场物种数随取样面积的增大而逐渐增加,放牧减轻导致物种增幅上升,放牧对物种丰富度的贡献率提高。高山草原的最小取样面积为0.71～1.54 m2,各放牧率样地物种数的变化分别在0.16～0.32和0.32～0.64 m2范围内最剧烈。物种数随放牧增强呈下降趋势,在放牧率2.45 AUM·hm-2出现拐点,拐点两侧放牧对物种多样性具有不同的作用规律,2.45 AUM·hm-2为高山草原适宜的放牧率。在牧场尺度上,当面积超过2.56 m2,改善放牧管理对物种丰富度的增加没有作用。     

Behavioral sampling techniques for feedlot cattle

Continuous observations are an accurate method for behavioral measurements but are difficult to conduct on large numbers of animals because of extensive labor requirements. Thus, we sought to develop methods of behavioral data collection in feedlot cattle production systems that reasonably approximated continuous sampling. Standing, lying, feeding, drinking, and walking behaviors were examined from 224 h of continuous video from 64 heifers. Experiment 1 (n = 24 heifers) compared continuous behavioral sampling techniques (Continuous) with scan sampling using intervals of 1, 5, 10, 15, 30, and 60 min and time sampling (a technique for the periodic recording of behavior) for the first 10 min out of every 60 min. Means for each scan sampling method did not differ in estimated percentage of duration of behaviors (P > 0.05) from continuous sampling, except for scan sampling with a 60-min interval. Scan sampling with a 60-min interval differed from more frequent scan sampling intervals for all behaviors except lying. Scan sampling with short intervals (1 and 5 min) was correlated highly with Continuous for all behaviors. The longer the scan interval, the lower the correlations, especially for behaviors with short duration. Time sampling was not an accurate technique for measuring the sampled behaviors. Focal animal sampling (using continuous sampling of individuals) indicated that one heifer was representative of the entire pen of 10 animals (Continuous) for all maintenance behaviors except drinking. Scan sampling methods (1-, 5-, 10-, and 15-min intervals) were accurate methods of behavioral sampling for feedlot cattle, but scan intervals of 30 or 60 min were less accurate and less precise. Time sampling was not an accurate method because it overestimated standing and underestimated lying behaviors. Experiment 2 (n = 40 heifers) investigated the number of focal animals required to accurately represent continuous behavioral sampling for all animals. Focal animal sampling was accurate for most behaviors using as few as 1 animal out of 10 but was not an accurate method for drinking behavior unless 40% of the animals in the pen were observed. Estimates of sample sizes needed for experimental protocols are provided. Behavioral means, standard deviations, and coefficients of variation are presented along with estimates of required sample sizes. These results validate accurate, precise, and efficient methods for quantifying feedlot cattle behavior.     

Seasonal variation of the lying and standing behavior indexes of dairy cattle at different daily time periods in free‐stall housing

The lying and standing behavior of dairy cattle reveal whether dairy cattle housing is appropriate to cow comfort. Lying and standing behavior indexes, such as cow comfort index (CCI), cow stress index (CSI) and stall usage index (SUI) are often used as an indication of animal welfare. This study was performed to determine the seasonal and hourly variation of cow behavioral indexes at different daily time periods (DTP) and evaluate appropriate DTP better representing daily behavioral activity of dairy cattle in free‐stall housing (FHS) in Konya, Turkey. Animal behaviors were videotaped for a total of 24 days (576 h) over four seasons in a FHS at a commercial dairy farm from November 2007 to March 2009 using continuous video data (24 h per day). The behaviors of cows in the barn were evaluated using 60‐min scan sampling. All phenotypes were evaluated on an hourly basis during the experimental period. The results show how these indexes can be accurately evaluated by analyzing video recordings taken on DTP between 08.00–15.00 and 19.00–24.00 hours for autumn and summer and 10.00–12.00 and 20.00–22.00 hours for spring, instead of continuous observation (r > 0.93, P < 0.01). Consequently, the evaluated method provides saving time and labor to accurately analyze cow behavior instead of observations over a long time.     

人工柠条灌丛林下草地植物群落特征研究

以宁夏固原上黄东山封育的人工柠条(Caragana korshinskii Kom.)灌丛林下草地为研究对象,并以设置在其周围的放牧地天然草地作为对照,采用样线法进行群落调查,分析二者群落数量特征和地上生物量变化,以期为退化草地植被恢复提供理论依据。结果表明:上黄东山封育后的人工柠条灌丛林下草地群落物种数较放牧地显著增加,封育区本氏针茅(Stipa bungeana Trin.)的优势地位明显加强,重要值远大于放牧地;人工灌丛林下草地与放牧地的相似性系数为0.585,表明二者的相似程度不高,人工种植的柠条对群落的结构影响较大,能够改善草地群落的小生境,为新物种出现提供良好的环境;物种丰富度指数和多样性指数(Shannon-winner指数)均表现为人工灌丛林下草地显著高于放牧地(P<0.05),而均匀度指数则相反(P<0.01);人工柠条灌丛林下草地地上生物量鲜重极显著高于放牧地(P<0.01)。     

Veld improvement in Swaziland through the introduction of a tropical legume

Stylosanthes guyanensis was successfully sod‐sown in natural grassland in Swaziland's subtropical Middle‐veld. Introduction of the legume considerably improved yields and protein‐content of the herbage. A new strain of Stylosanthes has recently been obtained which is better adapted to heavy grazing and trampling than the common type.