Publication Date
1993
Description
Grazing trials were conducted on 2 sites located In semi-arid savanna of Natal. Three stocking strategies were applied at each site to provide light, intermediate and heavy stocking. Data collected over 5 seasons were used to.develop a bioeconomic stocking rate model. While individual animal performance and nett return per livestock unit (R/LSU) decreased with increased stocking, net return per ha (Riha) increased, Net return was significantly related (P 0, 01) to rainfall and stocking rate, while no significant effect of range condition was detected. Although Increased stocking may be justified In the short• term, this may be associated with both. Increased ecological and financial risk and may not be sustainable in the long-term,
Citation
Hatch, G P. and Tainton, N M., "A Bioeconomic Stocking Rate Model for the Semi-Arid Savanna of Natal, South Africa" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 14.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session7/14
Included in
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A Bioeconomic Stocking Rate Model for the Semi-Arid Savanna of Natal, South Africa
Grazing trials were conducted on 2 sites located In semi-arid savanna of Natal. Three stocking strategies were applied at each site to provide light, intermediate and heavy stocking. Data collected over 5 seasons were used to.develop a bioeconomic stocking rate model. While individual animal performance and nett return per livestock unit (R/LSU) decreased with increased stocking, net return per ha (Riha) increased, Net return was significantly related (P 0, 01) to rainfall and stocking rate, while no significant effect of range condition was detected. Although Increased stocking may be justified In the short• term, this may be associated with both. Increased ecological and financial risk and may not be sustainable in the long-term,
