Publication Date
1989
Description
Combining species of grazing animals such as cattle and sheep into appropriate grazing systems may help producers to use grazing land resources more efficiently (Heinemann, 1970 ;Van Keuren and Parker, 1967: Winrock, 1985). Earlier pasture research on lands unsuited for row-crop production has shown that renovation to incorporate a pasture legume has been very beneficial (Wedin et al., 1967). Yet, grazing management has lagged behind legume incorporation and fertilization (Wedin, 1985). Practices used in animal management must be taken into account in new grazing systems. In midwestern USA, producers commonly buy stocker steers in spring to take advantage of ample, high-quality herbage available on late spring and early summer pastures. Ewes, after weaning of lambs, are maintained on pasture from early May to September. Producers who raise sheep and cattle desire a grazing system that would combine steers and mature ewes in a more efficient system. Given long-term pastures, which were predominantly Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata), and birdsfoot trefoit (Lotus corniculatus), we studied a sequential grazing system in which steers (leaders) were allowed first acces to high-quality herbage for rapid gains. Dry nonpregnant ewes (followers) then had access to the residual herbage. The leader : follower system was compared with both separate, continuous grazing by steers and by ewes, and with co-grazing of steers and ewes.
Citation
Wedin, W F.; Sanderson, M A.; Ohlsonn, C; and Morrical, D G., "Multispecies Grazing Systems in Iowa, Midwestern USA" (2025). IGC Proceedings (1989-2023). 5.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1989/session10/5
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Multispecies Grazing Systems in Iowa, Midwestern USA
Combining species of grazing animals such as cattle and sheep into appropriate grazing systems may help producers to use grazing land resources more efficiently (Heinemann, 1970 ;Van Keuren and Parker, 1967: Winrock, 1985). Earlier pasture research on lands unsuited for row-crop production has shown that renovation to incorporate a pasture legume has been very beneficial (Wedin et al., 1967). Yet, grazing management has lagged behind legume incorporation and fertilization (Wedin, 1985). Practices used in animal management must be taken into account in new grazing systems. In midwestern USA, producers commonly buy stocker steers in spring to take advantage of ample, high-quality herbage available on late spring and early summer pastures. Ewes, after weaning of lambs, are maintained on pasture from early May to September. Producers who raise sheep and cattle desire a grazing system that would combine steers and mature ewes in a more efficient system. Given long-term pastures, which were predominantly Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata), and birdsfoot trefoit (Lotus corniculatus), we studied a sequential grazing system in which steers (leaders) were allowed first acces to high-quality herbage for rapid gains. Dry nonpregnant ewes (followers) then had access to the residual herbage. The leader : follower system was compared with both separate, continuous grazing by steers and by ewes, and with co-grazing of steers and ewes.
