Theme 1-2: Rangeland/Grassland Ecology--Poster Sessions
Description
Short duration, high density grazing is a grazing management strategy that incorporates the rotation of large livestock herds, often at double or triple the normal prescribed stocking densities of the specific area. It is claimed that this type of grazing management can improve rangeland health by improving soil and vegetation condition, and subsequently influencing animal performance. Regardless of the scarcity of scientific evidence validating these claims, the change from conventional rotational grazing systems to short duration, high density grazing systems is on the increase in South Africa. This study aims to assess these claims, through the quantification of various rangeland vegetation and soil health, and livestock performance parameters under both conventional rotational and short duration, high density grazing systems. The study will be conducted through fence line contrast studies, whereby neighbouring farms, one practising short duration, high density grazing and the other conventional, rotational grazing, will be assessed. Soil parameters to be investigated will include soil physical (compaction) and chemical (pH, carbon, nitrogen, exchangeable cations) characteristics, whereas vegetation characteristics will include species composition, production, vigour and quality. In addition, animal performance will be measured as body condition and calving rate. This project has the potential to provide objective, scientifically based information regarding some of the controversies revolving around short duration, high density grazing, as well as contribute to the sustainability and economic viability of livestock production in Southern Africa.
Included in
The Comparative Effects of Short Duration, High Density and Conventional, Rotational Grazing on Different Soil, Vegetation and Animal Parameters in Dry and Mesic Grasslands of South Africa
Short duration, high density grazing is a grazing management strategy that incorporates the rotation of large livestock herds, often at double or triple the normal prescribed stocking densities of the specific area. It is claimed that this type of grazing management can improve rangeland health by improving soil and vegetation condition, and subsequently influencing animal performance. Regardless of the scarcity of scientific evidence validating these claims, the change from conventional rotational grazing systems to short duration, high density grazing systems is on the increase in South Africa. This study aims to assess these claims, through the quantification of various rangeland vegetation and soil health, and livestock performance parameters under both conventional rotational and short duration, high density grazing systems. The study will be conducted through fence line contrast studies, whereby neighbouring farms, one practising short duration, high density grazing and the other conventional, rotational grazing, will be assessed. Soil parameters to be investigated will include soil physical (compaction) and chemical (pH, carbon, nitrogen, exchangeable cations) characteristics, whereas vegetation characteristics will include species composition, production, vigour and quality. In addition, animal performance will be measured as body condition and calving rate. This project has the potential to provide objective, scientifically based information regarding some of the controversies revolving around short duration, high density grazing, as well as contribute to the sustainability and economic viability of livestock production in Southern Africa.
