Publication Date
1985
Location
Kyoto Japan
Description
Traditional methods used for the advanced evaluation of associations of tropical grasses and legumes under grazing have a number of limitations. The rigid grazing systems commonly utilized do not recognize nor respond to the dynamics of pastures as they interact with climate, soils, biotic factors, .and management. Consequently, the true potential of new germplasm is often under-estimated. A flexible grazing management system is proposed to overcome some of the limitations of traditional fixed management methodology. The methodology proposed involves managing each association under evaluation in a flexible but pre-defined manner. Stocking rates and grazing systems are adjusted, depending on two parameters to be measured or estimated in the pastures: I. stocking rate is adjusted when grazing pressure based on green forage on offer reaches selected limits (e.g., 3 and 6 kg DM 1100kg liveweight/day), to maintain grazing pressure within the pre-established range; 2. grazing system is adjusted when the legume content reaches selected limits (e.g., 15 and 50% of the green forage on offer). When the pasture reaches the upper limit, the rest period is increased; when percent legume reaches the lower limit, the rest period is reduced. Both stocking rate and grazing system adjustments are likely to be infrequent (two-three times yearly) in the humid tropics if the range of forage on offer and percent legume are properly chosen. A simple, two paddock alternate grazing system is employed. The methodology is presently being tested in a sub-humid tropical savanna location in eastern Colombia and a humid tropical forest environment in Bahia, Brazil.
Citation
Spain, James; Pereira, Jose Marques; and Gualdron, Ramon, "A Flexible Grazing Management System Proposed for the Advanced Evaluation of Associations of Tropical Grasses and Legumes" (1985). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 34.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1985/ses11/34)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
A Flexible Grazing Management System Proposed for the Advanced Evaluation of Associations of Tropical Grasses and Legumes
Kyoto Japan
Traditional methods used for the advanced evaluation of associations of tropical grasses and legumes under grazing have a number of limitations. The rigid grazing systems commonly utilized do not recognize nor respond to the dynamics of pastures as they interact with climate, soils, biotic factors, .and management. Consequently, the true potential of new germplasm is often under-estimated. A flexible grazing management system is proposed to overcome some of the limitations of traditional fixed management methodology. The methodology proposed involves managing each association under evaluation in a flexible but pre-defined manner. Stocking rates and grazing systems are adjusted, depending on two parameters to be measured or estimated in the pastures: I. stocking rate is adjusted when grazing pressure based on green forage on offer reaches selected limits (e.g., 3 and 6 kg DM 1100kg liveweight/day), to maintain grazing pressure within the pre-established range; 2. grazing system is adjusted when the legume content reaches selected limits (e.g., 15 and 50% of the green forage on offer). When the pasture reaches the upper limit, the rest period is increased; when percent legume reaches the lower limit, the rest period is reduced. Both stocking rate and grazing system adjustments are likely to be infrequent (two-three times yearly) in the humid tropics if the range of forage on offer and percent legume are properly chosen. A simple, two paddock alternate grazing system is employed. The methodology is presently being tested in a sub-humid tropical savanna location in eastern Colombia and a humid tropical forest environment in Bahia, Brazil.
