Cattle, vegetation, and economic responses to grazing systems and grazing pressure
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Authors: R. H. Hart, M. J. Samuel, P. S. Test, and M. A. Smith
Date: 1988
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 41
Number: 4
Pages: 282-286
Summary of Methods: Three grazing systems (season-long or continuous, deferred rotation, and short duration rotation) were compared on the mixed grass prairie 7 km northwest of Cheyenne, WY to determine the effect of rotation grazing on livestock production, the plant community and cover. All grazing systems were stocked moderately for the first three years. Stocking rate was then increased (moderate to heavy) over the last three years. All steers were weighed on the first grazing day, then biweekly until last day. Forage was clipped to ground level each year and data used to develop a regression equation to estimate standing crop.
Article Summary / Main Points: Steer gains were not affected by grazing system with comparison of stocking rates under proper management. Steers on all three systems gained at same rate under the same grazing pressure from 1984- 1987. The greatest return/ha was at stocking rates higher than Soil Conservation Service (SCS) recommendations. Grazing rates above SCS recommendations could bring greater short-term profit, but past studies have shown such high stocking rates could result in range deterioration, including change in botanical composition and cover. The small increase in returns may not outweigh the risks of such deterioration.
Vegetation Types: Northern Mixed Prairie
MLRA Ecoregions: 67A Central High Plains, Northern Part
Agrovoc Control Words: Grazing systems Rangelands Stocking rate
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: continuous grazing, rotationally deferred grazing, short-duration rotation grazing, savory grazing method, range condition, stocking rate
Annotation: Successional state considerations were taken into account with attention to botanical composition, cover and future sustainability of range conditions for grazing profitability. While this study is especially pertinent to the rangelands of Wyoming, the strategies could be measured similarly in other areas and with other predominant vegetation types.
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