Effects of stocking rate on quantity and quality of available forage in a southern mixed grass prairie
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Authors: R. K. Heitschmidt, S. L. Dowhower, W. E. Pinchak, and S. K. Canon
Date: 1989
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 42
Number: 6
Pages: 468-473
Summary of Methods: Cattle were grazed at moderate and heavy stocking rates for 25 years to determine the long-term effects of these grazing intensities on forage quality and production in Texas grasslands. After 25 years of grazing, pastures grazed with the heavy stocking rates had less available forage but higher forage quality than pastures grazed with the moderate stocking rate. Species composition in heavily stocked pastures was tending to shift to a more shortgrass dominated pasture of lower range condition while the moderately stocked pasture was dominated by midgrasses and was in better range condition. The authors conclude that grazing at heavier stocking rates will cause range condition to deteriorate and eventually cause declines in animal performance and net profit, therefore stocking at moderate rates is recommended in Texas grasslands.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: species dominance, range site, standing crop, crude protein, organic matter digestibility
Annotation: Stocking rates: Moderate - 7 ha/cow per year and Heavy - 5 ha/cow per year.
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