The intake and production of lactating Merino ewes and their lambs grazed at different stocking rates

1977 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 133 ◽  
Author(s):  
JP Langlands
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Metabolizable Energy ◽  
Milk Consumption ◽  
Total Organic Matter ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Maintenance Requirement ◽  
Stocking Rates

Grass and milk consumption and liveweight changes of lambs grazed at stocking rates ranging from 9 to 35 sheep/ha were measured during a 105 day lactation. Grass consumption and wool production of their mothers and of similar ewes without lambs were also determined. The forage and total organic matter intakes of the lamb increased with time while milk consumption declined; all three variables were negatively correlated with stocking rate. The intake of the ewe and its liveweight gain were not sensitive to increasing stocking rate, but wool production declined at higher stocking rates. The maintenance requirement of the ewes was estimated to be 218 kJ metabolizable energy/kg liveweight, and the efficiency with which metabolizable energy was utilized for milk production was 66%. Lactation increased the intake of the ewe but reduced its wool production.

Stocking intensity and pastoral production: III. Wool production, fleece characteristics, and the utilization of nutrients for maintenance and wool growth by Merino sheep grazed at different stocking rates

1973 ◽  
Vol 81 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. P. Langlands ◽  
I. L. Bennett
Keyword(s):  
Live Weight ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Metabolizable Energy ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Digestible Organic Matter ◽  
Unit Increase ◽  
Rate Of Decline ◽  
Stocking Rates

SummaryWool production and wool characteristics are reported for a 5-year period in which sheep grazed Phalaris tuberosa–Trifolium repens pastures at stocking rates ranging from 2·5 to 37·1 sheep/ha. The utilization of nutrients for maintenance and wool production were calculated over shorter periods.Maximum wool production/ha was always recorded at the highest stocking rate attained. The highest annual maximum was 111 kg clean wool/ha in 1963–4. The decline in wool production/sheep/unit increase in stocking rate was greatest during winter and the amplitude of the seasonal rhythm in wool production increased with stocking rate.At high stocking rates wool count increased, staple length and character declined, colour and handle improved, soundness tended to decline and fibre entanglement (cotting) to increase particularly during drought. Live-weight gain/sheep also declined with stocking rate, the rate of decline being greatest during drought. Maximum live-weight change/ha was attained at a lower stocking rate than maximum wool production/ha.The maintenance requirement of grazing sheep was estimated to be 58·3 kcal metabolizable energy/day/kg live weight and did not vary consistently with stocking rate. The value was 79% greater than the requirements for penned sheep estimated from fasting heat production.Efficiency of wool production was defined as wool grown/100 g digestible organic matter intake (ED) and as wool grown/100 g nitrogen intake (EN). EN declined linearly with increasing stocking rate but the intercepts differed between months, and were least in late winter and early spring. En declined with stocking rate in winter and increased during summer. At low stocking rates, ED showed some variation throughout the year but this was much greater at high stocking rates.

A comparison of the forage value for sheep of buckwheat and sorghum stubbles grown on the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales

1979 ◽  
Vol 19 (98) ◽  
pp. 297 ◽  
Author(s):  
JG Mulholland ◽  
JB Coombe
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
New South ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Weight Losses ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Digestible Organic Matter ◽  
Forage Value ◽  
Stocking Rates

Two grazing experiments were conducted to evaluate buckwheat and sorghum stubbles as forage for sheep. The stubbles were stocked by young crossbred wethers at 10 and 20 ha-1 for 55 days on the buckwheat and 81 days on the sorghum. Measurements were made at regular intervals of the availability and composition of plant material, diet selection, the intake of digestible organic matter (DOM) and liveweight change, while wool production was measured over each experimental period. More than one-third of the sheep grazing buckwheat stubble were affected by fagopyrism (buckwheat poisoning) and this probably reduced both liveweight gain and wool production. Buckwheat residues had a similar nitrogen content to sorghum (1 .0% vs 0.87%), but a lower organic matter digestibility (43.7% vs 57.1%). Mature buckwheat plants were not eaten readily. Mean liveweights of sheep on buckwheat stubble declined throughout the experimental period and overall changes were -3.8 and -7.0 kg for the low and high stocking rates, respectively. Corresponding values for sheep on sorghum stubble were 0.3 and -4.6 kg, although weight losses at the higher stocking rate did not occur until after 40 days grazing. For the same length of grazing as the buckwheat (55 days) the liveweight changes for sorghum were 0.2 and -1.2 kg, respectively. Wool growth rate was low for both stubbles but was more than 60% higher for sheep on the sorghum. Values for each stocking rate were 3.86 and 2.67 (g clean dry wool day-1) for the buckwheat, and 5.39 and 4.33 for the sorghum. It was concluded that sorghum stubble is a useful source of grazing for sheep on the Southern Tablelands but buckwheat stubble, because of its low acceptability, poor nutritional value and the risk of fagopyrism, is of very limited value.

scholarly journals Compost as an Option for Sustainable Crop Production at Low Stocking Rates in Organic Farming

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1078
Author(s):  
Christopher Brock ◽  
Meike Oltmanns ◽  
Christoph Matthes ◽  
Ben Schmehe ◽  
Harald Schaaf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Organic Matter ◽  
Organic Farming ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Potassium Sulfate ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Internal Resources ◽  
Compost Application ◽  
Stocking Rates

Mixed-crop-livestock farms offer the best conditions for sustainable nutrient management in organic farming. However, if stocking rates are too low, sustainability might be threatened. Therefore, we studied the development of soil organic matter and nutrients as well as crop yields over the first course of a new long-term field experiment with a mimicked cattle stocking rate of 0.6 LU ha−1, which is the actual average stocking rate for organic farms in Germany. In the experiment, we tested the effects of additional compost application to improve organic matter supply to soils, and further, potassium sulfate fertilization for an improved nutrition of fodder legumes. Compost was made from internal resources of the farm (woody material from hedge-cutting). Soil organic matter and nutrient stocks decreased in the control treatment, even though yield levels, and thus nutrient exports, were comparably low. With compost application, soil organic matter and nutrient exports could be compensated for. At the same time, the yields increased but stayed at a moderate level. Potassium sulfate fertilization further improved N yields. We conclude that compost from internal resources is a viable solution to facilitate sustainable organic crop production at low stocking rates. However, we are aware that this option does not solve the basic problem of open nutrient cycles on the farm gate level.

Supplementary feeding of dairy cows on continuously stocked pasture

1984 ◽  
Vol 103 (1) ◽  
pp. 161-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. G. Jennings ◽  
W. Holmes
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Metabolizable Energy ◽  
Total Output ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Stocking Rates

SummaryTwo experiments were conducted with milking cows on continuously stocked perennial ryegrass pastures. In each a control group, T0, received 1 kg/day of a concentrate supplement and treatment groups T1 and T2 received 4 kg (Expt 1) or 5 kg/day (Expt 2) of a low quality T1 or a high quality T2 concentrate. In Expt 1 treatments were applied continuously for 14 weeks to a total of 30 cows. In Expt 2 a Latin square design for 9 weeks was conducted with 18 cows. The stocking rate of the pasture declined from 9·6 to 5·1 cows per ha (mean 6·7 cows/ha) from May to August (Expt 1) and was maintained at 3 cows/ha in August-October (Expt 2).Supplements increased total intakes by 0·92 and 0·77 kg organic matter (OM)/kg OM supplied in the concentrates respectively for Expts 1 and 2. Milk yields increased by 0·6 and 0·5 kg/kg concentrate supplied and supplemented cows showed small increases in live weight. Differences in lactation milk yield just approached significance. Grazing times were only slightly reduced by supplements and bite sizes were lower than normal. There was no important difference in animal performance between the two concentrates. The total output from the pasture was 19·6t milk and 115 GJ of utilized metabolizable energy per hectare.Reasons for the high supplementary effect of the concentrates and its implications for stocking rates are discussed.

Milk production from cows grazing on tropical grass pastures. 1. Effects of stocking rate and level of nitrogen fertilizer on the pasture and diet

1985 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 505 ◽  
Author(s):  
TM Davison ◽  
RT Cowan ◽  
RK Shepherd ◽  
P Martin
Keyword(s):  
Protein Content ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Nitrogen Fertilizer ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Fertilizer Application ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Crude Protein Content ◽  
Stocking Rates ◽  
Applied Nitrogen

A 3-year experiment was conducted at Kairi Research Station on the Atherton Tablelands, Queensland, to determine the effects of stocking rate and applied nitrogen fertilizer on the pasture yield and composition, diet selection by cows, and soil fertility of Gatton panic (Panicum maximum cv. Gatton) pastures. Thirty-two Friesian cows were used in a 4x2 factorial design: four stocking rates (2.0, 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 cows/ha), each at two rates of fertilizer application 200 and 400 kg N/ha.year. The higher rate of fertilization increased the pasture green dry matter on offer at all samplings (P < 0.01); the increase ranged from 1 106 kg/ha in summer to 548 kg/ha in spring. Green dry matter decreased ( P< 0.0 1) with increasing stocking rate, with mean yields of 3736 and 2384 kg/ha at 2.0 and 3.5 cows/ha, respectively. Weed yields increased over the 3 years at the higher stocking rates for pastures receiving 200 kg N/ha.year. The crude protein content of leaf and stem increased with increasing stocking rate and amount of applied nitrogen fertilizer. Values ranged from 12.1 to 26.5% of dry matter (DM) in leaf and from 3.7 to 13.8% DM in stem. In leaf, sodium concentration (range 0.05-0.20% DM) was increased, while phosphorus concentration (range 0.21-0.44% DM) was decreased by the higher rate of fertilizer application. Plant sodium and phosphorus levels were inadequate for high levels of milk production. Dietary leaf content and crude protein contents were consistently increased by both a reduced stocking rate, and the higher rate of fertilization. Cows were able to select for leaf and at the lowest stocking rate, leaf in the diet averaged 38%; while the leaf content of the pasture was 20%. Dietary leaf content ranged from 38 to 57% in summer and from 11 to 36% in winter. Dietary crude protein ranged from 13 to 15% in summer and from 7 to 11% in winter and was positively correlated with pasture crude protein content and dietary leaf percentage. Soil pH decreased (P<0.05) from an overall mean of 6.3 in 1976 to 6.1 at 200 N and 5.8 at 400 N in 1979. Soil phosphorus status remained stable, while calcium and magnesium levels were lower (P<0.01) after 3 years.

Effect of time of joining and rate of stocking on the production of Corriedale ewes in southern Victoria. 3. Wool growth and the composition and availability of pasture

1975 ◽  
Vol 15 (73) ◽  
pp. 159 ◽  
Author(s):  
PA Kenney ◽  
IF Davis
Keyword(s):  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
The Other ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Wool Growth ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Brome Grass ◽  
Stocking Rates

A study was made during a three year period (1 968-1 970) of wool production by a flock of 540 ewes grazing annual pasture at Werribee, Victoria. The ewes were stocked at three rates (5, 7 1/2 and 10 ewes ha-1) and lambed between July 6 and August 20 or between September 10 and October 29 each year. Fibre diameter and length of wool samples were measured in 1968, 1969 and 1970 ; in 1970 growth of greasy wool was calculated from staples of dye-banded wool. Wool growth was reduced in all ewes during late pregnancy and early lactation but was not affected during late lactation in ewes lambing in September. The proportion of tender fleeces from all ewes was greater in 1970 and the weight of fleeces from only those ewes bearing single lambs was less in all years for ewes lambing in July than for ewes lambing in September. More ewes were barren and fewer ewes had twins in July and consequently the mean fleece weights of all ewes from both groups were similar. Fleeces from ewes stocked at 10 ha-1 were lighter, shorter and finer than fleeces from ewes stocked at 5 and 7 1/2 ha-1, but the proportion of tender fleeces did not differ between the groups. Wool production of ewes stocked at 5 and 7 1/2 ha-1 increased from 1968 to 1970, whereas that of ewes at 10 ha-1 did not. This was associated with differences in pasture availability and composition. At 10 ewes ha-1 less pasture was present in winter and spring in 1970 than in 1968, whereas at the other stocking rates it was greater. In 1970 the density of weeds in autumn was greater and in spring more silver grass (Vulpia spp.) and less brome grass (Bromus spp.) was available at the high stocking rate.

Correction - Integrating sheep and wheat production: effect of substituting wheat production for pasture on the wool production of wethers

1974 ◽  
Vol 14 (69) ◽  
pp. 454
Author(s):  
DJ Cannon
Keyword(s):  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Dual Use ◽  
Wheat Production ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Production Effect ◽  
Stocking Rates

The wool production and liveweight of Corriedale wethers was measured when both stocking rate and the proportion of land to wheat and pasture varied. The nominal stocking rates (R) were 6.8, 8.6, 10.5, 12.4 and 14.2 wethers ha-1, and the proportion sown to wheat was 0, 15 or 30 per cent. Clean wool production per head declined linearly with increase in stocking rate and the proportion of land sown to crop. Generally both maxima and minima liveweights declined with increase in cropping and minima liveweights with increase in stocking rate. The effect of cropping on wool production was attributed to the increased stocking rate on the uncropped portion of land during the period when the cropped area was unavailable to grazing. 'Average' stocking rates per ha (S) were calculated on the basis of the proportion of land to crop and the fraction of the year stubbles were available for grazing. S was found to be a more useful measure of stocking rate than R, in a system of dual use of land.

Integrating sheep and wheat production: effect of substituting wheat production for pasture on the wool production of wethers

1974 ◽  
Vol 14 (69) ◽  
pp. 454
Author(s):  
DJ Cannon
Keyword(s):  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Dual Use ◽  
Wheat Production ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Production Effect ◽  
Stocking Rates

The wool production and liveweight of Corriedale wethers was measured when both stocking rate and the proportion of land to wheat and pasture varied. The nominal stocking rates (R) were 6.8, 8.6, 10.5, 12.4 and 14.2 wethers ha-1, and the proportion sown to wheat was 0, 15 or 30 per cent. Clean wool production per head declined linearly with increase in stocking rate and the proportion of land sown to crop. Generally both maxima and minima liveweights declined with increase in cropping and minima liveweights with increase in stocking rate. The effect of cropping on wool production was attributed to the increased stocking rate on the uncropped portion of land during the period when the cropped area was unavailable to grazing. 'Average' stocking rates per ha (S) were calculated on the basis of the proportion of land to crop and the fraction of the year stubbles were available for grazing. S was found to be a more useful measure of stocking rate than R, in a system of dual use of land.

A Comparative Study of Sheep Grazing a Semi-Arid Saltbush Pasture in Two Condition Classes.

1986 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 46 ◽  
Author(s):  
RD Graetz
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
Landsat Imagery ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Sheep Grazing ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Broken Hill ◽  
Wool Growth ◽  
Stocking Rates

Measurements were made of the wool growth, body weight gain and diet of sheep grazing a saltbush pasture near Broken Hill, N.S.W. The experiment utilized a fenceline contrast in saltbush (Atriplex vesrcarra) density that was visible on Landsat imagery. It ran for five years (1976-1981) with a design of two pasture types by two stocking rates. Fleece weights varied from 3.9-6.0 kg/head and wool production from 0.6-2.9 kg/ha. Neither wool production per head nor bodyweight were substantially affected by stocking rate or pasture type. The composition and quality of the diets selected by sheep on both pastures were identical and of high nutritional value indicating their capability to accommodate differences in pasture composition. Pasture quality was not limiting between stocking rates or determined by the abundance of saltbush. Changes in pasture composition resulting from grazing and exclosure were small and of no significance.

An evaluation of cereal stubbles for sheep production

1976 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 881 ◽  
Author(s):  
JG Mulholland ◽  
JB Coombe ◽  
M Freer ◽  
WR McManus
Keyword(s):  
Plant Material ◽  
Green Plant ◽  
Animal Production ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Mineral Supplement ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Sheep Production ◽  
One Year ◽  
Cereal Residues ◽  
Stocking Rates

The production of young crossbred wethers grazing oat, barley and wheat stubbles was measured in each of three years at stocking rates ranging from 15 to 30/ha. In one year, production on 'weedy' stubbles was compared with that of 'clean' (weed-free) stubbles, and also the effect of a wheat–urea–mineral supplement on the production of sheep was measured on oat stubble. Liveweight change and wool production were significantly influenced by the availability of green plant material and by stocking rate, but not by supplementation. The maximum liveweight loss in any year was 7.5 kg and the maximum gain 6.0 kg, both recorded over 11 weeks' grazing. Mean daily clean wool production was 9.9 g/sheep at the lower stocking rate and 6.6 g/sheep at the higher rate, but production per hectare was 10–60% higher at the heavier stocking rate. The ranking of the crop stubbles with respect to animal production was not consistent from year to year. Intense selection for green plant material by sheep resulted in the proportion of green in the diet being nearly always greater than 80%, when the weight of this material on the plots was more than 40 kg dry matter/ha. It appeared that a low intake of nitrogen was not the main limitation to animal production. A maximum of only 36% of the crop residue which disappeared during the experiment could be accounted for as animal intake. Thus it is unlikely that the potential of cereal residues as a source of food for animal production will be realized with grazing sheep.

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