Influence of grazing management on the production of an irrigated grass/legume pasture in the Rûens area of the Southern cape |
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Authors: | JM vanHeerden NM Tainton |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Agriculture and Water Supply (Winter Rainfall Region) , Private Bag, Elsenburg, 7607;2. Department of Grassland Science , University of Natal , PO Box 375, Pietermaritzburg, 3200 |
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Abstract: | Abstract The production of an irrigated grass/legume pasture was determined using Merino ewes on rotational and continuous grazing systems. The clover content of the pasture declined, while the grass content increased under both systems. The lucerne content of the rotationally‐grazed pastures did not change, but lucerne failed to persist under continuous grazing. Rotational grazing resulted in a lower clover content and, consequently, in a lower production per individual animal at low stocking rates during two seasons, but in a higher pasture production and grazing capacity, than under continuous grazing. At high stocking rates the individual animal production was, however, highest under rotational grazing, resulting in a higher animal production per ha than under continuous grazing. |
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Keywords: | Lucerne clover rotational grazing continuous grazing average daily gain grazing capacity and wool production |
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