Theme 2-2: Forage Production and Utilization--Poster Sessions
Description
The University of Kentucky (UK) Horse Pasture Evaluation Program began in 2005 to improve pasture quality and quantity on Kentucky horse farms. This on-farm program collects detailed data of pasture species composition, tests for tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort.) toxicity, and provides farm managers with comprehensive recommendations for management. Species composition is determined using the occupancy method. In 2019, the UK Horse Pasture Health Score Card was developed to provide useful, survey-level information on pastures and allow evaluators to cover far more acres in less time, requiring fewer resources. The objective of this research was to compare accuracy and efficiency of the traditional occupancy method for botanical composition with the UK Horse Pasture Health Score Card. The score card, based on a similar tool developed by USDA-NRCS, includes a 1-5 scoring system of ten categories of pasture health, including desirable grass cover, weed pressure, and grazing management. In 2020, a summer intern evaluated the accuracy of the UK Horse Pasture Health Score Card by comparing to traditionally gathered species composition data. All four quantifiable categories resulted in more than 65% of fields being scored within 1 point of the correct species composition, though two categories showed increased likelihood of underestimation, suggesting the score card may need to be adjusted and that additional training should be provided to the evaluators. While the UK Horse Pasture Health Score Card would not be acceptable for scientific research, this study suggests that, after small modifications, it will be a useful tool for commercial horse pasture evaluations.
Included in
Kentucky’s Comprehensive Outreach Program for Horse Pasture Management and Education
The University of Kentucky (UK) Horse Pasture Evaluation Program began in 2005 to improve pasture quality and quantity on Kentucky horse farms. This on-farm program collects detailed data of pasture species composition, tests for tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort.) toxicity, and provides farm managers with comprehensive recommendations for management. Species composition is determined using the occupancy method. In 2019, the UK Horse Pasture Health Score Card was developed to provide useful, survey-level information on pastures and allow evaluators to cover far more acres in less time, requiring fewer resources. The objective of this research was to compare accuracy and efficiency of the traditional occupancy method for botanical composition with the UK Horse Pasture Health Score Card. The score card, based on a similar tool developed by USDA-NRCS, includes a 1-5 scoring system of ten categories of pasture health, including desirable grass cover, weed pressure, and grazing management. In 2020, a summer intern evaluated the accuracy of the UK Horse Pasture Health Score Card by comparing to traditionally gathered species composition data. All four quantifiable categories resulted in more than 65% of fields being scored within 1 point of the correct species composition, though two categories showed increased likelihood of underestimation, suggesting the score card may need to be adjusted and that additional training should be provided to the evaluators. While the UK Horse Pasture Health Score Card would not be acceptable for scientific research, this study suggests that, after small modifications, it will be a useful tool for commercial horse pasture evaluations.
