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An approach for setting the stocking rate

    • Authors: J. L. Holechek

      Date: 1988

      Journal: Rangelands

      Volume: 10

      Number: 1

      Pages: 10-14

      Summary of Methods: This opinion paper is a summary of 43 articles outlining the challenges (species of grazing animal and rangeland factors) and how to overcome these challenges to set appropriate stocking rates.

      Article Summary / Main Points: The popular concept of “take half and leave half” is only applicable to humid and annual grassland ranges. Based off of specific local climate and precipitation patterns, stocking rates should be adjusted to improve forage productivity, livestock productivity and net economic returns. Sheep and goats were found to utilize steeper slopes more uniformly than cattle as they have smaller size and greater agility with stronger climbing instincts. Cattle were less likely to utilize areas more than two miles in distance from a water source and stocking rates should be adjusted as distance to water increases. Locations that should not be considered when establishing a key area for monitoring include sites remote from water, on steep slopes, and with poor accessibility due to physical barriers. Climax species should not be considered as key species as they tend to have low resistance to grazing and poor regeneration following reductions in stocking rates.

      Vegetation Types: All Vegetation Types

      MLRA Ecoregions: Not Applicable

      Agrovoc Control Words: Grazing Stock rates Rangelands

      Article Review Type: Peer Reviewed

      Article Type: Scientific Opinion

      Keywords: annual precipitation, forage production, grazing, key species, livestock production, range management, range types, stocking rates

      Annotation: The ideas here are dated in the light of the move complex and advanced grazing systems presently used by many rangeland managers. These rudimentary approaches present the idea that stocking rate adjustment based on climatic variability and weak associations with key species utilization, ultimately recommending management strategies for livestock and rangeland production that are less than optimal.

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