Evaluation of veld potential in east griqualand using beef cattle under two grazing management systems |
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| Authors: | U.P. Kreuter G.M. Brockett A.D. Lyle N.M. Tainton D.I. Bransby |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Agriculture (Natal Region) , Private Bag X9059, Pietermaritzburg, 3200;2. Sasol Fertilizers (Pty) Ltd. , P.O. Box 784091, Sandton, 2146;3. Department of Agriculture (Natal Region) , Private Bag X501, Kokstad, 4700;4. Department of Grassland Science , University of Natal , P.O. Box 375, Pietermaritzburg, 3200 |
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| Abstract: | Abstract Beef production from veld, in the short term, was found to be greater under a continuous grazing system than under a rotational grazing system. Average daily gains decreased from a maximum in late‐spring and the highest three‐year mean value was 0,5 kg/animal/day. Livemass gains/ha were highest at a stocking rate of 2,2 animals/ha and were 131,4 kg/ha under continuous grazing and 88,6 kg/ha under rotational grazing. Estimated mean maximum gains/ha were 0,78 kg/ha/day at a stocking rate of 2,5 animals/ha under continuous grazing and 0,55 kg/ha/day at a stocking rate of 1,7 animals/ha under rotational grazing. However, optimum economic stocking rates were estimated to occur below those where beef production/ha was maximum. |
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| Keywords: | Continuous grazing optimum stocking rate rotational grazing stocking rate |
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