An analysis of the fundamentals of grazing management systems

The resting and grazing components of grazing management cycles as practised in South Africa are evaluated from the points of view of objective and effect. While the desirability of resting for seeding and an increase in vigour is recognized, little is known of the optimum duration and frequency of rests in the various types of grazing. The upper limit of camp numbers per group of animals beyond which an increase in resting benefit is only slight appears to be approximately six. While continuous grazing is generally believed to be detrimental to sward composition because of selective grazing, it seems that this effect is due rather to incorrect stocking rates than continuous grazing per se. Rotational grazing does, however, offer a means of attaining higher stocking rates without detrimental effects. High Utilization Grazing and High Production Grazing are two different methods of applying rotational grazing which have different objectives and different effects. The most suitable method to use in any situation depends on the nature of the sward and the reaction of the component species to defoliation. However, both methods require multi‐camp systems for best results.     

Estimates of carrying capacity and production from herbage yields and grazing days

The reliable prediction, from herbage yields, of the carrying capacity of grazing can be of value in farm planning.

In a trial comprising 27 treatment combinations of fertilization and stocking rate under two systems of grazing, it appeared that animal production per unit area can be predicted from herbage yields and from grazing days. It was apparent, however, that the method, and consequent intensity, of utilization influenced the angle of the regression line. Furthermore, it appeared that herbage yield allowed a fair estimate to be made of the carrying capacity provided stocking rates were at an optimum level.     

Effects on animal performance and sward composition of mixed and sequential grazing of permanent pasture by cattle and sheep

Previous experiments have shown that mixed or conjoint grazing, when two or more animal species are grazed together, can lead to improved performance of one or more of the species and a higher total output per unit area. Sequential grazing systems, when different animal species graze an area in succession, also have the potential to improve productivity. This experiment directly compared these two approaches for integrating the grazing of cattle and sheep when pastured on improved permanent pasture. Four treatments were compared: 1) sheep only from May to October (S/S); 2) cattle only from May to July followed by sheep only from August to October (C/S); 3) cattle and sheep from May to July, sheep only for the rest of the growing season (C + S/S); and 4) cattle and sheep from May to October (C + S/C + S). Each treatment was replicated three times. From May until weaning at the end of July the plots were grazed by steers and ewes and lambs, and from weaning until October by steers and lambs. Sward heights were maintained at 6 cm using a “put and take” stocking system. Animal performance and sward composition data were collected during three growing seasons, 2001–2003. During the pre-weaning period lambs grazing plots which were grazed only by sheep had significantly poorer growth rates than those grazing plots where there was mixed grazing. Lambs grazing the sheep only plots also had lower liveweight gain during the post-weaning period, with the highest growth rates being recorded on the C + S/C + S treatment. Carrying capacity and total liveweight gain per unit area post-weaning were also consistently higher for the C + S/C + S treatment, while carrying capacity pre-weaning was highest for the C/S treatment. Measurements of clover content in the grazed horizon and botanical separation of material from quadrat cuts indicated that even under relatively controlled conditions choice of grazing system can influence sward composition. However, there was no clear link between any single sward change and the growth of the animals, indicating that the improved performance of cattle and sheep under mixed grazing is the result of a combination of factors, rather than a response to a particular sward parameter.     

The role of grazing in creating suitable sward structures for breeding waders in agricultural landscapes

French wet grasslands support important populations of lapwings and other waders. Grazing management is a key issue in the use of grasslands by these birds since they are very sensitive to sward structure (height and heterogeneity). To assess the impact of different grazing regimes on sward structure during spring, sward height was repeatedly measured in a coastal marsh for 2 years. Sward structure was characterised by variables related to height classes and an index of heterogeneity. Grazing regimes were described by stocking rates per period and N fertilisation level. Heterogeneity index was quadratically related to mean sward height both years. Four types of sward structures were characterised through principal component analysis. Co-inertia analysis showed a strong relationship between grazing regimes and sward structure. However, during spring, the relationship between stocking rate and sward structure differed according to year, impact of grazing being greater during drought year. Suitable sward structures were observed for both lapwings and redshanks. Wader habitat management through grazing calls for more attention to be paid to the delayed effects of autumn and winter grazing regimes. Sward heterogeneity emerges as a new characteristic to control, because it may introduce new constraints for livestock production.     

Plant and sward response to patch grazing in the Highland Sourveld

Abstract

Selective grazing by livestock inevitably results in patch grazing. This study was initiated to determine the effects of patch grazing on (1) the vigour of a single grass species, Themeda triandra, and of the sward, and (2) sward species composition. The generally held idea that a full season's rest followed by an early spring burn would prevent preferential grazing of patch grazed areas which had developed in the seasons before the rest was also tested. The vigour of 71 triandra was estimated from etiolated growth of marked tufts while sward vigour was indexed by above‐ground herbage production (AGHP). Etiolated growth of T. triandra and AGHP of the sward within patches were negatively affected by three seasons of grazing, but a full season's rest appeared sufficient to restore both the etiolated growth of T. triandra and the AGHP of the sward to a level similar to that in the non‐patches. A full season's rest followed by spring burning did not, however, prevent preferential grazing of grazed patches which had developed in the seasons prior to the rest. Species composition within patches (characterised by Increaser II species) differed significantly from the species composition of non‐patches (characterised by Increaser I species). Patch grazing may therefore initiate the rangeland degradation process in Highland Sourveld and patch grazing may be the focus from which rangeland degradation proceeds.     

Plant species dynamics in the Southern Tall Grassveld under grazing,resting and fire

An analysis of temporal changes in botanical composition in a long‐term grazing trial indicates that species dynamics in the Southern Tall Grassveld of Natal are determined by the specific combination of grazing, mowing and fire impacts. Species composition of a grazing systems trial was recorded at intervals during 16 years, and in the 14 years following the removal of herbivores, during which time the experimental area was burnt periodically. Site trajectories in ordination space facilitated the assessment of the nature, magnitude and rate of species composition change under various combinations of impacts. Under rotational grazing and mowing, botanical change was minimal, both during the grazing and the subsequent rest and fire phases of the trial. It is suggested that the interruption of continuous grazing at a high stocking rate by a seasonal rest (rotational resting) promoted the invasion of the sward by Aristida junciformis. This also occurred in the continuously‐grazed treatment at a high stocking rate when stock were removed from the treatment and periodic burning was introduced. It appears that swards dominated by A. junciformis remain stable under a rest and burning regime.     

西藏阿里草地资源现状及载畜量

以西藏阿里地区草地为研究对象,对草地资源概况、草地资源类型和草地载畜量等进行了分析。阿里地区草地理论载畜量为299.37万绵羊单位,2010年实际载畜量为346.66万绵羊单位,实际载畜量与理论载畜量相比超载15.80%。通过分析认为,阿里地区应因地制宜地发展草地畜牧业,合理布局草地载畜量,科学利用草地资源,促进草地畜牧业可持续发展。     

放牧生态系统中的组织物质循环及其在牧场管理中的应用

综述了组织物质循环的理论及其在牧场管理中的应用。放牧过程中牧地草丛内的物流和能流循环是维持放牧生态系统平衡的重要基础,进行牧地草丛中植物组织循环,特别是其生长和萎蔫死亡的动态分析,为草地的有效利用提供了理论依据。文中对于牧地草丛内及刈牧过程中的组织物质循环,连续放牧及间断放牧条件下的组织物质循环进行了重点分析论述。建议在中国各类型草地上应用组织物质循环理论开展放牧管理研究,以推动草地管理理论和实践的发展。     

The grazing response of cattle to pasture contaminated with rabbit faeces and the implications for the transmission of paratuberculosis

Transmission of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis, the organism responsible for paratuberculosis (or Johne's disease) in ruminants, occurs through the faecal-oral route. As M. a. paratuberculosis has been isolated from rabbit faeces, cattle grazing rabbit faecal contaminated pasture may thus be at risk.A herd of 57 beef cattle was monitored on a farm in Perthshire, throughout the 1999 'grazing year', to investigate whether the cattle avoided rabbit faecal contaminated pasture and thus the potential for disease transmission. Grazing was measured every two days over eight rotations by sward heights on 40 marked treatment plots (0.5 m x 0.5 m) to which 0, 10, 50 and 250 rabbit faecal pellets were added. Cattle were also monitored by an active transponder system which enabled individual animals contacting two plots per field rotation (one control and one contaminated) to be recorded. During the monitored grazing year, grazing pressure was low with a net mean sward offtake of 18% of sward height per rotation. There were no significant differences between rabbit faecal treatments (0, 10, 50 and 250 pellets) with respect to the height or proportion of sward removed, or between the numbers of contacts made by cattle on contaminated and uncontaminated plots. Over 90% of all the cattle contacted contaminated plots, indicating that the potential for disease transmission was widespread among the herd.To our knowledge, this is the first reported instance of a lack of avoidance by grazing cattle towards swards contaminated with faeces, and implies that the potential for transmission of paratuberculosis from rabbit contaminated pasture is high.     

Comparison of grazing behaviour, dietary overlap and performance in non-lactating domestic ruminants grazing on marginal heathland areas

During the years 2000–2001, 7 non-lactating beef cows, 40 ewes and 40 does were managed in mixed grazing on a natural heathland vegetation plot (22 ha) with 20% improved pasture (perennial ryegrass) on a hill (1000 m a.s.l.) experimental farm located in the NW of Spain. Samples of faeces and vegetation components were collected monthly to estimate diet selection, using the alkane markers, and diet overlapping level. Animals were weighed monthly to quantify live weight changes and performance of the three livestock species during different periods (spring, summer, autumn, winter) of the grazing season.

The percentage of shrubs in the diet was significantly higher in the small ruminants (ranging between 36% and 85%) than in cows (less than 25%) in any period. Gorse (Ulex gallii) and heather (Erica spp., Calluna) percentages were always significantly higher in does than in ewes, except in autumn for heather. Herbaceous component (namely grasses) was higher in cattle (75–99%) than in small ruminants (15–64%). The lowest mean dietary overlap was found between cattle and goats (50.4%), with large differences during the grazing season, ranging between 20% and 70%.

The three animal species increased their live weight in the first grazing period (spring), when the mean sward height on the improved area was higher than 6.0 cm. However, when the sward height was lower than 3.5 cm (summer–winter), cows lost weight (− 437 g/day) while ewes and goats were still able to increase their weight (29 and 5 g/day, respectively).

Therefore, it seems that small ruminants, mainly sheep, are more suitable than cattle from the vegetation utilization and animal performance points of view, as cows were unable to maintain live weight when the preferred grass availability decreases. Goats were the species that included the highest proportion of heathland vegetation components in the diet, especially gorse, although their performance was significantly lower than in sheep. In consequence, small ruminant production systems could be more sustainable than cattle. The results indicate that mixed grazing of sheep and goats could be appropriate in these vegetation communities, allowing the development of sustainable systems, in which animal performance and the efficiency of resource use are maximized.     

Influence of sward height, daily timing of concentrate supplementation, and restricted time for grazing on forage utilization by lactating beef cows

To establish the effect of sward height, concentrate feeding time, and restricted time for grazing on forage utilization by grazing cattle, 32 crossbred beef (24 Angus and eight Hereford) cows (632 kg BW) and calves (104 kg BW) were grouped by weight and calving date. They were assigned randomly to two sward height treatments (4 to 8 or 8 to 12 cm), replicated four times. The herbage comprised mainly Kentucky bluegrass, orchardgrass, some forbs, and white clover. The cows were restricted to 12 h/d grazing (0700 to 1900) or unrestricted to 24 h/d grazing and fed a concentrate supplement (4.1 kg DM.cow(-1).d(-1), approximately 0.65% of BW or 33% of total DMI) either at 0700 or 1800. The experiment was repeated over three 15-d periods in May, June/July, and August 2000. The herbage on high sward height pasture was higher (P = 0.06) in NDF and ADF and lower (P < 0.01) in CP than low sward height herbage. For cows restricted to 12 h/d grazing, supplementing at 0700 as opposed 1800 resulted in greater (P = 0.04) forage DMI (8.6 vs. 8.1 kg/d), whereas cows that were unrestricted showed little change (8.2 kg/d at 0700 vs. 8.4 kg/d at 1800). Supplementing at 1800 as opposed to 0700 resulted in greater (P = 0.03) herbage DM digestibility (67.7 vs. 64.5%) for cows on high sward height, whereas cows on low sward height exhibited minimal differences (65.4% at 1800 vs. 66.3% at 0700). Cows restricted to 12 h/d grazing and supplemented at 0700 as opposed to 1800 resulted in greater (P = 0.06) digestible DMI (5.0 vs. 4.7 kg/d), whereas unrestricted cows exhibited the opposite response (4.6 kg/d digestible DMI at 0700 vs. 4.9 kg/d at 1800). Supplementing at 1800 as opposed to 0700 increased the time spent grazing to a greater (P = 0.09) extent for restricted than for unrestricted cows. When forage availability or grazing time was limiting (due to a low forage allowance and restricted access to forage, respectively) supplementing concentrates at 0700 resulted in greater forage utilization and intake rate because of increased forage DMI, DM digestibility, and digestible DMI. However, when forage or grazing time was not limiting, supplementing concentrates at 1800 resulted in greater forage utilization because of increased forage DM digestibility.     

草地划区轮牧饲养原则及设计

为了推进北方草地可持续集约放牧饲养管理,促进完善划区轮牧实验设计及目的,本文总结了放牧国际划区轮牧的10条原则:单位时间的产草量确定载畜率,拔节期指示春季放牧开始时间,开始恢复再生的时间决定放牧时间天数,放牧间隔日数决定放牧频次,计算确定区块数及区块面积,满足牲畜采食行为,充分利用饲草质量和营养,保证牲畜饮水充足,环境友好、易执行、可操作、有弹性。在此基础上,设计了1个划区轮牧实践参考方案,并论述了划区轮牧目标及管理评价标准,讨论了1条北方草地可持续集约养羊畜牧业的发展途径。     

Grazing behavior and performance of beef cattle as a function of sward structure and herbage quality under rotational and continuous stocking on species‐rich upland pasture

An experiment to reveal functional response and heifers' performance to sward characteristics and forage chemical composition was conducted for 5 years in rotational (RSS) and continuous (CSS) stocking systems on native species‐rich upland grassland. We measured sward characteristics, forage chemical composition, heifers' grazing behavior and live‐weight gains from July to September. Mean sward surface height was lower on CSS than on RSS; grass and forb density, and white clover stolon length, were similar. Herbage on CSS had higher crude protein content and lower crude fiber content than on RSS. No difference existed in time budgets of grazing, ruminating and resting between stocking systems and season, while grazing rates were higher on CSS. Stocking rate was 1671 and 1332 kg per ha on CSS and RSS, individual daily live‐weight gain 683 and 652 g on CSS and RSS. Gain per ha was 20 kg higher on CSS. Results suggested stocking systems on native species‐rich grassland had no effect on activity time budgets or animal performance. Both RSS and CSS allow similar outputs for stocking rates in terms of individual daily live‐weight gain. Key parameters determining heifers' behavior and performance were sward height, grass and forb density in the sward, and content of crude fiber and protein in forage.     

The effect of grazing management on livestock exposure to parasites via the faecal–oral route

In grazing systems, heterogeneous distributions of forage resources and faeces result in localised accumulations of nutrients and parasites (both macroparasites and microparasites), creating trade-offs between the costs of exposure to infestation or infection and the benefits of nutrient intake. Each contact between livestock and faeces in the environment is a potential parasite/pathogen transmission event. Thus, herbivores must make foraging decisions in complex environments which will affect their intake of both nutrients and parasites. However, the pattern of forage and faecal resources in agricultural environments will also be affected by the grazing management system in place. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of grazing management on the risk of infection/infestation to livestock. We used a spatially explicit individual based stochastic foraging model to simulate livestock contact (both grazing and investigative) with faeces in the environment. The model was parameterised to simulate cattle grazing under three types of grazing management: set stock (i.e. where sward growth and cattle intake are in equilibrium in a single field); a two pasture rotation grazing system with increasing number of rotations; and a rotational grazing system with two rotations and increasing subdivisions of the pasture. Overall the amount of cattle contact with faecal-contaminated patches was similar in both set stocking and rotational grazing scenarios, suggesting no difference in the risk of infection or infestation between the different systems. However, the timing and absolute amounts of peak contact varied greatly indicating that different grazing management systems expose livestock to risks of different types of parasites at different times of the grazing season. Intensive rotational systems with small pasture blocks (especially the first grazing period) maximised livestock contact with fresh faeces, and thus exposure to microparasites (e.g. bacterial pathogens). Livestock re-entering pasture blocks in rotational systems and set stocked livestock had the highest contact with old faeces and thus have a greater risk of macroparasite transmission (gastrointestinal nematodes). This study highlights how livestock management affects the highly dynamic interaction between livestock and distributions of parasites in the environment and thus the levels of livestock exposure to parasites and pathogens via the faecal–oral route.     

Effects of eight grazing systems on carcass mass gains of steers grazing irrigated Cynodon aethiopicus pastures

Abstract

Eight grazing systems were compared on irrigated Cynodon aethiopicus pastures which received 650 kg N, 36 kg P and 200 kg dolomitic limestone/ha, annually. There were either one, two, three, six or 18 paddocks in the systems, the single paddock system being continuously grazed. The others were rotational systems with various periods of grazing and of resting.

Using the comparative slaughter technique carcass mass gains of crossbred Hereford/Afrikaner steers were calculated. Three‐year mean carcass mass gains over stocking rates from 12 to 18 steers/ha ranged from 872 to 997 kg/ha. None of the rotational systems were better than continuous grazing.

Estimates of amounts of herbage available for grazing in each system showed that there was least in the continuous grazed and most in the multi‐paddock systems where there were long periods of rest between successive grazing.     

Ingestive behavior of supplemented Nellore heifers grazing palisadegrass pastures managed with different sward heights

Three sward heights (15, 25 and 35 cm) and three supplement types (energy, energy‐protein, and a mineral mix supplement) were evaluated in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement distributed in a completely randomized design to study changes in forage search patterns in Nellore heifers in a continuous grazing system. Pasture data were collected using two replicates (paddocks) per treatment over four periods during the rainy season. The behavior assessments were made in the first and fourth grazing seasons. It was hypothesized that supplements and pasture management would modify ingestive behavior, considering that animals would require less time grazing if they had energy requirements met through higher digestibility of better managed paddocks, or use of supplements high in energy. Total and green forage masses along with green : dead material ratio were greater in treatments managed with higher sward heights. Sward managed with 35 cm height resulted in lower leaf : stem ratio compared with 15 cm sward height treatments. The animals on the 15 cm pastures spent more time grazing overall and during each meal, but there were no differences observed in meal numbers in comparison to 35 cm treatments. Heifers fed protein and/or energy supplements spent less time grazing in the early afternoon, but overall grazing time was the same for all animals.     

The Potch System: An approach to the management of semi‐arid grasslands in southern Africa

A host of grassland management systems have been published and recommended. Whereas earlier approaches to grassland management emphasized the systematic resting aspect, the systems published since 1966 have tended to stress the degree of utilization of the grassland sward. In an attempt to accommodate the periodic dry periods that are so typical of the semi‐arid grasslands of western Transvaal, the Potch system of management was evolved. It aims at the development of a fodder reserve, firstly by delaying the commencement of summer grazing, and secondly, by allowing prolonged periods of absence in the grazing rotation. High utilization grazing within the concept of controlled selective grazing is prescribed. This approach was tested and demonstrated over a period of five years in an experiment comprising 240 beef breeding cows. It appeared that generally, summer grazing only commenced after the third week of November, and that the mean period of occupation amounted to 20 days, with a period of absence of 87 days. A conception rate of 85% of all the cows and heifers mated, was achieved. A stocking rate of 0.53 LSU ha^?1 could be maintained in an area where the general grazing capacity is 0.33 LSU ha^?1.     

短花针茅草原放牧系统植物补偿性生长的研究：Ⅰ.植物净生长量

试验于１９９６￣１９９７年在内蒙古农牧学院哈雅教学牧场，研究２岁杂种羯羊在短花针茅荒漠草原不同载畜率下植物的净重复一。结果表明，１９９６年５个载畜率处理地上净生长量与对照区差异不显著（Ｐ〉０．０５），植物表现等补偿性生长。在１９９７年干旱年份，当载畜率小于２．０只羊／半年／ｈｍ＾２时，放牧区地上净生长量与对照间差异不显著（Ｐ〉０．０５），植物表现等补偿性生长。当载畜率大于２．０只羊／半年／ｈｍ＾２     

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.     

Grazing and grazing management terminology in southern Africa

In order to avoid misunderstanding arising in discussions and from the literature on grazing management problems in Southern Africa a proposed list of terms and definitions to cater for all grazing situations and concepts is presented. The terms are classified into two groups, those dealing with properties of the vegetation and those dealing with aspects of management. The former group includes veld, fynbos, karoo, grassveid, bushveld, sourveld, swectveld, pastures, leys, permanent pastures, cultivated pastures, introduced pastures, species selective grazing, area selective grazing, grazing capacity, current grazing capacity and potential grazing capacity. Some of these terms are well known to pasture scientists in Southern Africa and their inclusion here is largely to facilitate understanding by overseas readers of the literature from this sub‐continent. Those terms dealing with aspects of management are continuous grazing, rotational grazing, rotational resting, rotational grazing and resting, zero grazing, stocking rate, stocking pressure, stocking density, stocking density index, period of occupation, period of stay, stocking intensity, period of rest and resting intensity. Many of these terms are not in current use in Southern Africa. They nevertheless are related to important concepts in grazing management deserving of greater attention.