The inter-relationships of grazing method and stocking rate in the efficiency of pasture utilization by dairy cattle

1963 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. P. McMeekan ◽  
M. J. Walshe
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Age Distribution ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Vanishing Point ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Rotational Grazing ◽  
Continuous Grazing ◽  
Grazing System ◽  
Stocking Rates

1. A large-scale grazing management study comparing rotational grazing and continuous grazing with dairy cows at two stocking rates over four complete production seasons is described.2. The four treatments were: (i) controlled grazing, light stocking rate; (ii) controlled grazing, heavy stocking rate; (iii) uncontrolled grazing, light stocking rate; (iv) uncontrolled grazing, heavy stocking rate.Each treatment involved 40 cows for a first 2-year phase and 42 cows for the following 2 years. Each herd had a normal age distribution pattern and seven 2-year-old first lactation heifers (17% of total herd) were introduced each year to maintain this pattern.3. Stocking rate was the more important factor affecting the efficiency of pasture utilization as measured by per acre output of milk and butterfat. In general, high stocking was associated with higher outputs per acre despite lower yields per animal.4. Grazing method was of less importance. In general, controlled rotational grazing was superior to uncontrolled continuous grazing, both per animal and per acre, but the average influence even of these extremes of management was only half that of stocking rate.5. Significant interactions between stocking rate and grazing method existed. Under continuous grazing a point was reached where production per acre declined to the vanishing point with increased stocking rate due to excessive depression of per cow yield: this point was not reached under rotational grazing at the same high stocking levels.6. The results suggest that optimum stocking rate under rotational grazing occurs at a level some 5–10% higher than under continuous grazing. A depression of 10–12% in per cow yield, compared with more lenient grazing, corresponds with optimum stocking level irrespective of the grazing system. This estimate is suggested as a guide line in applying the principles involved.

Levels of total nitrogen and total volatile fatty acids in the rumen fluid of sheep under different grazing management systems

1967 ◽  
Vol 7 (28) ◽  
pp. 434
Author(s):  
WR McManus
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Total Nitrogen ◽  
Volatile Fatty Acids ◽  
Rumen Fluid ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Continuous Grazing ◽  
Grazing System ◽  
Stocking Rates

Concentrations of total nitrogen and total volatile fatty acids in the rumen fluid of sheep grazing improved pastures were measured for ten months in a dry year on the southern tablelands of New South Wales, and the concentrations of nitrogen and volatile fatty acids (V.F.A.) were related to season, wool production, and grazing management. The observations were made during two long-term grazing management experiments. In the first experiment four groups of breeding Merino ewes grazed a Wimmera ryegrass-subterranean clover (Lolium rigidum Gaud.-Trifolium subterraneum L.) pasture. A deferred grazing system (autumn saving) of pasture management was compared with continuous grazing at stocking rate treatments equivalent to 7.0 and 3.5 ewes to the acre. In the second experiment two groups of Merino weaners grazed a Phalaris tuberosa-subterranean clover pasture at a stocking rate equivalent to 8.6 sheep to the acre. One group received a hay supplement, the other did not. In both experiments nitrogen values were low between late autumn and mid-winter and again between late spring and summer, and high in early autumn and again in spring (P<0.05). The low levels were about 55 per cent of peak autumn and spring levels in (experiment 1) and 60 per cent of peak autumn and spring levels in (experiment 2). Total V.F.A. did not vary significantly between seasons in either experiment. At the higher stocking rate the ewes had lower levels of rumen total nitrogen than at the lower stocking rate. V.F.A. did not vary consistently between stocking rates. At both stocking rates ewes on the autumn saving system of grazing management had more nitrogen in the rumen fluid during late pregnancy and early lactation than did those on the continuous grazing system (P<0.001). After the ewes had access to the saved pasture, autumn saving resulted in a higher concentration of volatile fatty acids than continuous grazing (P< 0.05). Although feeding a hay supplement benefited the weaners the concentrations of total nitrogen in the rumen fluid of the two groups of sheep were similar. There was a fairly consistent tendency for the group receiving hay to have lower concentrations of volatile fatty acids in their rumen fluid. Possible reasons for these effects are discussed.

Synthesis of system outcomes for a grazing-management experiment in temperate native pastures

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (9) ◽  
pp. 1869 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. B. Badgery ◽  
D. L. Michalk
Keyword(s):  
Field Experiments ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
System Level ◽  
Advisory Group ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Rotational Grazing ◽  
Experimental Modelling ◽  
Continuous Grazing ◽  
Grazing System ◽  
The Impact

Increasing the intensity of grazing management from continuous grazing or set-stocking to intensive rotational grazing has been proposed as a way of improving the profitability and environmental outcomes for native pasture-based grazing systems in the high-rainfall zone (HRZ) of southern Australia. The present paper synthesised the results and outcomes of eight papers covering different aspects of a grazing-system study investigating the intensity of grazing management at Panuara (33°27ʹS, 148°56ʹE), 25 km south-west of Orange, New South Wales. The systems analysis covered soils and soil water, pastures, animal production, profitability and business risk by using a combination of field experiments and biophysical modelling. The experimental approach, engagement with stakeholders and the potential impact of the research outcomes are discussed; as are the future directions for grazing system research. Increasing the intensity of grazing management from a 1- to a 20-paddock system resulted in a 21% higher pasture growth, 22% higher stocking rate and 20% higher lamb production per hectare. However, modelling demonstrated that seasonal variability had a greater impact on profitability than did the management system, and whole-farm profitability of the 20-paddock system was lower than that of the 1- and 4-paddock systems due to higher infrastructure costs. Pasture stability was associated with a high perennial grass content (>70%), and a stocking rate of 4.2 ewes/ha for continuous grazing or 5.3 ewes/ha for intensive rotational grazing limited the potential for degradation events. Advantages were identified in fencing and managing production zones, with different production potential within a farm, to improve utilisation across the landscape and efficiency of fertiliser use. The farming-system approach successfully integrated field research with pre- and post-experimental modelling, and with strategic input from an advisory group containing farmers, researchers and advisors, to develop a full understanding of the impact, at a system level, of increasing the intensity of grazing management in the HRZ.

Effects of grazing management and stocking rate on pasture production, ewe liveweight, ewe fertility and lamb growth on subterranean clover-based pasture in Western Australia

2001 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 161 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Lloyd Davies ◽  
I. N. Southey
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Continuous Grazing ◽  
Grazing System ◽  
Stocking Rates ◽  
Lamb Growth

Border Leicester x Merino ewes joined to Dorset Horn rams were grazed for 3 years on subterranean clover-based pastures established on virgin ground at Bakers Hill, Western Australia, at 3 stocking rates and 2 systems of grazing management (viz. continuous grazing compared with a deferred grazing system which was designed to ensure that pasture availability met the nutritional requirements of breeding ewes at critical phases of their reproductive cycle). Both stocking rate and grazing management affected pasture availability: there was always a greater amount of pasture available on offer under the deferred grazing system. However, this extra pasture rarely increased animal production; the effect of the deferred grazing compared with continuous grazing was inconsequential for ewe liveweight in late pregnancy and for lamb growth rate. The deferred grazing system promoted grass dominance at all stocking rates whereas there was only 24% grass under continuous grazing at the high stocking rate. Stocking rate on some occasions affected ewe liveweight at joining but always affected the prelambing weight. The highest stocking rate on some occasions reduced twinning rate. Stocking rate (particularly in 1966) affected lamb growth rate. The combination of the effect of stocking rate on twinning rate, lamb survival and lamb growth rate resulted in a lower proportion of lambs achieving 30 kg liveweight per lamb marked at higher stocking rates (3-year mean low stocking rate 106% lambs marketed; medium stocking rate 95% and high stocking rate 80%). In 1966, total plasma ketones were lower and plasma glucose (measure of ewe metabolic status) was higher on the deferred system than on the continuously grazed system.

Simplified rotational grazing management of dairy cows: effects of rates of stocking and concentrate

1991 ◽  
Vol 116 (3) ◽  
pp. 417-428 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Hoden ◽  
J. L. Peyraud ◽  
A. Muller ◽  
L. Delaby ◽  
P. Faverdin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Rotational Grazing ◽  
Yield Improvement ◽  
Concentrate Supplementation ◽  
Stocking Rates

SUMMARYAn experiment was carried out in Normandy between 1986 and 1988 over c. 6 months in each year, using a simplified rotational grazing technique (two paddocks in spring, four in autumn) with a total of 162 high-yielding cows (mean milk yield of 30·0 kg/day at turn-out). Three stocking rates, designated control (C: 2·3 cows/ha over the total area of the system), moderate (M: 2·6 cows/ha = 115% of C) and high (H: 3·0 cows/ha = 130% of C), were compared at two rates of concentrate supplement, 3·7 kg/cow per day and 0·5 kg/cow per day. Individual milk yield differed by a non-significant 5% between the extreme stocking rates (21·3 v. 20·3 kg fat-corrected milk (FCM) for treatments C and H, respectively). Milk production/ha was 23% greater in the H treatment (9816 v. 7970 kg FCM for H and C, respectively). Concentrate supplementation led, on average, to a 9% milk yield improvement (21·8 v. 20·0 kg FCM for high and low rates, respectively), i.e. a mean efficiency of 0·6 kg FCM/kg supplement. This response tended to be greater in the higher-yielding cows and for the high stocking rate. The sward measurements contributed to a better understanding of herbage utilization by the cows.

Studies on the Mitchell Grass Association in South-Western Queensland. 3. Pasture and Wool Production Under Different Rates of Stocking and Continuous or Rotational Grazing.

1993 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 302 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Roe ◽  
GH Allen
Keyword(s):  
Supplementary Feeding ◽  
Major Influence ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Rotational Grazing ◽  
Management Planning ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Continuous Grazing ◽  
Winter Grazing ◽  
Grazing Period ◽  
Stocking Rates

Pasture productivity and wool production on the Warrego Mitchell grass (Astrebla spp.) rangeland in south-westem Queensland were studied over a period of 13 years under continuous or rotational grazing, each at three stocking rates. The stocking rates were one sheep to three, two or one hectares and the rotational grazing was a six- monthly system of summer or winter grazing. The grazing treatments were applied over two five- year terms with a nil-grazing period at the conclusion of each. The latter periods provided a means of measuring the cumulative effects of the grazing treatments. Drought conditions prevailed during the first term so that supplementary feeding was necessary, but the second experienced above average rainfall. Quarterly measurements were made of the pasture dry matter on offer and its botanical and chemical composition. Monthly sheep liveweights, annual wool production and sheep size development in each term were also measured and monetary returns from wool calculated. Rainfall had a major influence on the results recorded and tended to nullify the effects of grazing treatments. Its unpredictability precludes the reliable use of complex techniques in management planning. The overall results suggested that the optimum grazing management of this Mitchell grass rangeland would be continuous grazing at a stocking rate of one sheep to two hectares. Supplementary feeding during drought would be obligatory and should be budgeted for in long-term planning. There was a 50% higher monetary return from this grazing treatment than from the lighter stocking rate and pasture stability (maintenance of Astrebla spp.) was sustained. Pasture stability was adversely affected by the heavier stocking rate. There was no srlstained advantage from rotational grazing compared with continuous grazing.

Grazed pasture parameters. III. Relationships of pasture and animal parameters in, and general discussion of a stocking rate and grazing management experiment with dairy cows

1966 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. G. Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Management System ◽  
Animal Production ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Production Parameters ◽  
Grazed Pasture ◽  
Stocking Rates

1. Pasture parameters have been correlated with animal production parameters from a trial in which two management systems (‘controlled’ and ‘uncontrolled’ grazing), each at two stocking rates (0.95 and 1.19 cows/acre), were compared.2. Per acre butterfat production was positively related to percentage utilization of available D.M., but negatively related to yield of available D.M.3. Per cow butterfat production was significantly and positively correlated with yield of available D.M. in the two months after calving (August and September) and in the penultimate month of lacta-tion (April), but this correlation was not significant in other months.4. It is concluded that management system was as important as stocking rate in increasing the utilization of pasture and animal production from pasture.

Grazed pasture parameters. II. Pasture dry-matter use in a stocking rate and grazing management experiment with dairy cows

1966 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. G. Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Grazing Pressure ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Rotational Grazing ◽  
Grazed Pasture

1. Dry-matter intake, pasture utilization and grazing pressure were studied over 3 years on a small-scale replica of a dairy cow grazing management x stocking rate trial.2. The four treatments were:(i) Controlled rotational grazing, light stocking rate (0.95 cow/acre).(ii) Controlled rotational grazing, heavy stocking rate (1.19 cow/acre).(iii) Uncontrolled, set stocked grazing, light stocking rate (0.95 cow/acre).(iv) Uncontrolled, set stocked grazing, heavy stocking rate (1.19 cows/acre).3. Mean D.M. intakes were: (i) 29, (ii) 21, (iii) 28 and (iv) 21 lb./cow per day. D.M. intake was reduced on average by 7 ± 2.1 lb./cow per day at the higher level of stocking.

Stocking rate trials in Ankole, Uganda: I. Weight gain of Ankole steers at intermediate and heavy stocking rates under different managements

1974 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 497-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. N. Harrington ◽  
D. Pratchett
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Grazing Pressure ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Rotational Grazing ◽  
Brachiaria Decumbens ◽  
Continuous Grazing ◽  
Weight Gains ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Stocking Rates

SUMMARYA series of stocking rate trials running for differing periods between 1961 and 1972 are summarized. Weight gains of steers grazed at 2·4, 1·2, 0·8 and 0·6 ha/300 kg animal on Cymbopogon/Hyparrhenia/Themeda pasture are detailed. Subtreatments included continuous and rotational grazing and the removal of the unpalatable Cymbopogon afronardus.Weight gains at 0·6 ha/animal were higher than a linear relationship between stocking rate expressed as animals/ha and weight gain would predict. This was ascribed to the dominance of the high quality grass Brachiaria decumbens at this grazing pressure.Rotational grazing was less productive than continuous grazing, because C. afronardus increased more rapidly under this management, but there was less soil erosion. Removal of C. afronardus increased cattle growth rates and gains/ha by over 40% at 0·6 ha/animal. The cost of clearing this weed should be recovered in 2 years from a commercial cattle ranch. A grazing pressure of ca. 0·8 ha/animal is expected to maximize long-term profits on C. afronardus-free Ankole rangeland and in 3 years in this trial average gains of 0·29 kg/day/animal were achieved. This was an annual production level of 131 kg/ha/annum, which compared with 53 kg/ha at 2·4 ha/animal and 143 kg/ha at 0·6 ha/animal.

Effect of deferred autumn grazing and stocking rate of sheep on pasture production in a Mediterranean-type climate

1976 ◽  
Vol 16 (79) ◽  
pp. 181 ◽  
Author(s):  
TH Brown
Keyword(s):  
South Australia ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Botanical Composition ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Continuous Grazing ◽  
Wimmera Ryegrass ◽  
June July ◽  
Stocking Rates

The effect of deferred autumn grazing and stocking rate on an annual pasture was monitored for five years at Kybybolite Research Centre in the south-east of South Australia. Pasture availability, yearly production and botanical composition were measured under a series of eight stocking rates from 12.4 to 29.7 Merino wethers per hectare. Autumn deferment resulted in extra available pasture during the winter months of June, July and August. However, the continously grazed pastures reached the same level of availability as the deferred pastures in spring. By the third year of the experiment yearly pasture production irrespective of grazing management was greatly reduced at the higher stocking rates. This reduction was associated with an invasion of Poa annua and Juncus bufonius. Autumn deferment tended to favour the growth of Wimmera ryegrass at the lower stocking rates whereas continuous grazing tended to favour clover growth at these stocking rates.

Rearing of dairy cattle 6. The effect of length of grazing rotation on animal and herbage production in a grazing system for calves and heifers

1975 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 157-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. D. Leaver
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Average Growth ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Total Percentage ◽  
Grazing System ◽  
Stocking Rates

SUMMARYA rigid system of grazing management was examined for 2 years using rotations of fixed length. Rotations of 21 and 35 days were compared at low (3 calves+ 3 heifers/ha) and high (4 calves+ 4 heifers/ha) stocking rates. The calves and heifers grazed the paddocks on a leader/follower basis.Average growth rates for the 21- and 35-day rotations were respectively 0·75 and 0·78 for calves and 0·78 and 0·83 kg/day for heifers, but these differences were not significant. The 35-day rotation produced 6% more live-weight gain and 4% more herbage dry matter/ha than the 21-day rotation. The high stocking rate produced 14% more live-weight gain but 3% less herbage dry matter/ha than the low stocking rate. The total percentage utilization of herbage dry matter for the whole season was similar for 35- and 21-day rotations, averaging 90%. There were no significant interactions between length of rotation and stocking rate.

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