Determining Carrying Capacity on Rangeland to Set Stocking Rates That Will Be Most Productive

2019 ◽  
pp. 314-323
Author(s):  
John L. Merrill
Keyword(s):  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Stocking Rates

Modelling the risk of different joining times and lamb sale policies

2014 ◽  
Vol 54 (10) ◽  
pp. 1694 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. M. Robertson ◽  
A. F. Southwell ◽  
M. A. Friend
Keyword(s):  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Simulation Modelling ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Gross Margin ◽  
Feed Resources ◽  
Systems Simulation ◽  
Gross Margins ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Stocking Rates

Month of joining and lamb sale strategy influence both the quantity and so value of lamb produced, and the feed required, so are important management decisions contributing to the profitability of sheep systems. Simulation modelling was used to evaluate the impact on gross margins of three lamb sale strategies for different months of joining and varying stocking rates. A flock of purchased Merino ewes producing crossbred lambs in southern Australia was modelled between 1971 and 2011. April joining produced higher gross margins than November or January only if the number of ewes per hectare was increased to potential carrying capacity. At the optimum stocking rate for each month of joining, three sale policies – a flexible lamb sale policy (where lambs were sold depending on seasonal conditions); selling lambs in December; or selling at 45-kg liveweight, all produced a similar mean gross margin, but the feed resources required were least using the flexible strategy (April-joined mean 195 ± 253 s.d. kg/ha for flexible compared with 219 ± 270 kg/ha if selling December or 1085 ± 459 kg/ha if sold at 45 kg). Mean gross margin differed between sale strategies by up to AU$66/ha if the optimal stocking rate was not used. These results suggest that the most advantageous lamb sale strategy will vary with both month of joining and stocking rate used, and should be considered when optimising sheep management systems.

scholarly journals Herbage Mass Productivity and Carrying Capacity Estimation of Some of the Selected Rangelands of Taplejung District

1970 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 63-70
Author(s):  
NR Devkota ◽  
MR Kolachhapati
Keyword(s):  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Unit Area ◽  
Growth Period ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Optimum Number ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Mass Yield ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Site Specific ◽  
Stocking Rates

A study of the representing rangelands of Taplejung district was carried out during summer of 2009 to estimate the herbage mass yield of different slope categories, and to calculate the carrying capacity (CC) of the representing rangelands based on 60 days re-growth period so that optimum number of livestock unit (LU) per unit area would be possible to allow for grazing. The findings revealed that plain slope had higher herbage mass produced, but was comparatively over-grazed as revealed by higher stocking rate. Existing carrying capacity reasonably supports the grazers, but irrespective of the quality herbage. In deed there was a lower CC for higher slope area with higher CC for plain slope. Nevertheless, the CC values for different slope categories indicated that rangelands in Taplejung district has wider scope of improvement, both for herbage mass productivity, and grazing management through precise stocking rates to match with the prevailing carrying capacity. A major challenge, however, lies to convince herders about the benefits of reducing stocking rates and improving production efficiencies, with the increased income and less degradation of the present available rangelands. Detail study on herbage mass production based on total herbage mass harvest days of a year along with stocking rate for the respective period would be important to consider in generating concrete and site specific information. Key words: herbage mass; carrying capacity; stocking rate; rangelands; herders; Taplejung district DOI: 10.3126/njst.v11i0.4125Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 11 (2010) 63-70

scholarly journals Livestock intensification potential in Brazil based on agricultural census and satellite data analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (9) ◽  
pp. 1053-1060 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arielle Elias Arantes ◽  
Victor Rezende de Moreira Couto ◽  
Edson Eyji Sano ◽  
Laerte Guimarães Ferreira
Keyword(s):  
Primary Productivity ◽  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Agricultural Census ◽  
Moderate Resolution ◽  
Resolution Imaging ◽  
Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer ◽  
Stocking Rates

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the potential of livestock intensification in Brazil. Beef cattle stocking rates were estimated according to agricultural census data on livestock production in Brazilian municipalities. Pasture carrying capacity was obtained by combining moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (Modis) images of gross primary productivity and data on dry matter demand per animal unit (AU). Cattle stocking rate for Brazil, in 2014/2015, was 0.97 AU ha-1, and the carrying capacity was 3.60 AU ha-1; therefore, there is an average livestock intensification potential of 2.63 AU ha-1. The highest average intensification potential was observed for the Southern region (3.62 AU ha-1), and the lowest for the Northern (2.13 AU ha-1) and Northeastern regions (2.22 AU ha-1). It is possible to estimate cattle stocking rate, pasture carrying capacity, and potential of livestock intensification by integrating data on agricultural census and remote sensing.

scholarly journals An evaluation of the DDH/100mm stocking rate index and an alternative approach to stocking rate estimation

2007 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 139 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. B. Hacker ◽  
W. J. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Monthly Rainfall ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Lag Effects ◽  
Reliable Assessment ◽  
Dry Spells ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Essential Components ◽  
Western Division ◽  
Stocking Rates

Long-term data for (simulated) daily pasture growth and moving 12-monthly rainfall totals were used to examine the performance of the DDH/100 mm stocking rate index under theoretically ideal management for three locations in the Western Division of NSW. Stocking rate was adjusted either monthly or biannually based on rolling 12-monthly values for either pasture growth or rainfall. Under these ‘ideal’ conditions, monthly values of the index fluctuated widely around the carrying capacity benchmark. In practice, such comparisons would not provide a reliable assessment of the sustainability of the current stocking rate or of the need to adjust stock number to match seasonal conditions. Stocking rates calculated from pasture growth estimates were similar to those derived simply from rainfall and the carrying capacity benchmark, and produced similar levels of pasture utilisation. This ‘benchmark method’ of stocking rate determination thus provides a readily calculated, dynamic benchmark against which actual stocking rate may be compared. Due to lag effects, application of calculated proper stocking rates may lead to excessive pasture utilisation under low rainfall conditions (12-monthly totals less than 120–150 mm for the locations studied or, as a rule of thumb, the 10th percentile). Continuous paddock monitoring and projection of 12-monthly rainfall totals are therefore essential components of sustainable management. Short-term trends in the stocking rate index, driven by rainfall at constant stocking rate, will not provide any generally reliable indication of impending dry spells or feed deficits.

Fertility and seasonal changes in liveweight of Droughtmaster cows grazing a Townsville stylo-spear grass pasture

1971 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 963 ◽  
Author(s):  
LA Edye ◽  
JB Ritson ◽  
KP Haydock ◽  
Davies J Griffiths
Keyword(s):  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Rate Of Change ◽  
Conception Rate ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Seasonal Fluctuations ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Townsville Stylo ◽  
Calving Rate ◽  
Stocking Rates

An experiment was conducted to examine the fertility and seasonal changes in liveweight of cows grazing a Townsville stylo–spear grass pasture for over 4 years. There were two replicates of 12 treatments, which were factorial combinations of two stocking rates and three levels of superphosphate with and without conservation of hay. All experimental factors influenced cow liveweight. Cows on the pastures receiving superphosphate were heavier throughout the experiment than cows on unfertilized (F0) pasture; in most years there was little difference between pastures receiving superphosphate at 377 kg/ha (F3) and 126 kg/ha per year (F1). Stocking rate and conservation of hay had smaller but significant effects throughout the experiment. There were also marked seasonal fluctuations in cow liveweight associated with the amount and distribution of rainfall. Superphosphate was the only treatment that significantly affected conception and calving rate (F3 > F1, F0 at P < 0.01). Numerical analyses published elsewhere of average cow liveweight before and after mating and of conception rate strongly indicated a direct effect of superphosphate on conception rate that could not be explained by liveweight differences. This effect was primarily associated with the highest rate of superphosphate (F3), the F1 effect being more equivocal. There were significant differences between the three rates of superphosphate in the rate of change of cow liveweight during the first lactation (F3 > F1 > F0 at P < 0.05) but the differences appeared inadequate to influence conception rate markedly. Without fodder conservation, 1 cow unit to 2.4 ha was a safe stocking rate for fertilized pastures. This is three to four times the carrying capacity of unimproved spear grass pastures in the region.

scholarly journals Habitat changes reduce the carrying capacity of Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park, South Africa, for Critically Endangered black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis

Oryx ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 247-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Reid ◽  
Rob Slotow ◽  
Owen Howison ◽  
Dave Balfour
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Source Population ◽  
Black Rhinoceros ◽  
Habitat Changes ◽  
Diceros Bicornis ◽  
Average Size ◽  
Stocking Rates

AbstractThe Critically Endangered black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis occurs mainly in protected areas. Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park, South Africa, contains a key source population for black rhino conservation, and declining population productivity has been attributed to negative habitat changes and a reduction in carrying capacity. As home range increase may be an index of declining habitat quality we determined the home ranges of the black rhino in the Park and compared these ranges with previous estimates. The average size of the home ranges during 1991–2001 was 23.07 ± SE 0.81 km2, which is 54% greater than in the 1980s. Sex and the availability of water did not influence home ranges. Home ranges decreased in winter. Female:male ratios varied across the Park, indicating that one or both sexes may prefer specific areas. Changes in vegetation structure and composition may have caused rhino to maintain larger ranges in order to meet their nutritional requirements. Ongoing review of stocking rates, population performance (including indicators such as range size), and intervention strategies are necessary to manage black rhino in dynamic savannah ecosystems.

scholarly journals POTENTIAL OF HILL COUNTRY FARMING IN THE KING COUNTRY

1973 ◽  
pp. 44-51
Author(s):  
P.G. Yeoman
Keyword(s):  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Economic Conditions ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
Management Techniques ◽  
Stocking Rates

The evidence available on pasture production in the King Country is reviewed and compared with stock requirements. A potential carrying capacity of 19 stock units/ha in the Waitomo County is estimated. It is shown that, when product prices are high, the economic optimum stocking rate is near the point beyond which stock will be seriously underfed. Management techniques aimed at producing and utilizing pasture feed efficiently and also allowing flexibility in stocking rates to meet varying economic conditions are outlined.

Effect of fertilizer nitrogen and feeding practices on productivity of Corriedale wethers grazing annual pasture in southern Victoria

1972 ◽  
Vol 12 (59) ◽  
pp. 589 ◽  
Author(s):  
IF Davis ◽  
MJ Sharkey
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Fertilizer ◽  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Significant Interaction ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Factorial Experiment ◽  
Fertilizer Nitrogen ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Nitrogen Treatment ◽  
Stocking Rates

The effect of conserving hay and feeding it back in a feedlot, during which time grazing was deferred, and the application of nitrogen fertilizer to annual pasture (67 kg N ha-l yr-l) was studied in a factorial experiment. The study was carried out with Corriedale wethers at stocking rates of 10, 12, and 17 sheep a hectare from July, 1963 to December, 1966. There were three replicates of each treatment. There was no significant interaction between stocking rates and management treatments on wool production per head or per hectare. The deferred grazing, but not the nitrogen treatment, resulted in heavier liveweights and heavier fleece weights in 1964, 1965, and 1966. The differences were significant (P < 0.05) in 1964 and 1966. The carrying capacity over the three year period was increased by the deferred grazing treatment in association with nitrogen fertilizer. However, at current wool prices it is unlikely that the use of haymaking, deferment and nitrogen is economic.

Low-temperature growth in grasses from northern latitudes

1976 ◽  
Vol 87 (1) ◽  
pp. 237-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. H. Ollerenshaw ◽  
W. S. Stewart ◽  
J. Gallimore ◽  
R. H. Baker
Keyword(s):  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Leaf Production ◽  
Temperature Growth ◽  
Pasture Quality ◽  
Northern Latitudes ◽  
Grass Growth ◽  
Stocking Rates

Output from grazing animals in Britain could be increased by extending the growing season of grasslands. In particular the growth of hill pasture species is highly seasonal with 75% of annual production occurring in three summer months (Newbould, 1974). Stocking rates, limited by winter carrying capacity, are therefore low and summer leaf production is undergrazed. The consequent accumulation of mature senescing herbage seriously reduces pasture quality (Eadie, 1968). As a result of this and lack of grass growth, ewes are often poorly nourished prior to mating (November) and throughout pregnancy and early lactation. Hence fertility levels and lamb birth weights and growth rates are low, and mortality rates high (Gunn, 1967).

Mixed v. mono-grazing by steers and sheep

1989 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 519-533 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Nolan ◽  
J. Connolly
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Individual Animal ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Annual Average ◽  
Animal Growth ◽  
Stocking Rates ◽  
Selection Of ◽  
Main Factor

ABSTRACTThe effects of mixed v. mono-grazing by steers and sheep on individual animal growth rate, pasture carrying capacity and live-weight output per ha were measured in a 4-year (1978 to 1981) experiment, after a preliminary familiarization year, 1977. Annual stocking rate treatments consisted of three monosteer, three mono-sheep and seven mixtures of steers and sheep. Annual average stocking rates were 2·11 steers † 8·1 ewes per ha under mixed grazing and, under mono-grazing, 4·44 steers and 15·2 ewes per ha. The range from low to high in stocking rate in mono- or mixed grazing was close to 40%. Over the 4 years a total of about 280 steers, 900 ewes and 1100 lambs were used.Overall, mixed grazing increased average lamb daily live-weight gain (ADG) to weaning and to drafting from 246 to 265 g (P < 0001) and from 211 to 223 g (P < 0·001) respectively. Steer ADG for these periods was increased from 1·419 to 1·520 kg (P < 0·01) and from 0·950 to 1·094 kg (P < 0·001). The choice of reference mono-grazing stocking rates for comparisons of mixed v. mono-grazing ADG can affect these results. Average live-weight outputs (kg/ha) from grazing for the mono-steers, mono-sheep, and mixed grazing were 663, 690 and 714, the range in the latter over the seven mixed grazing treatments being from 605 to 805. Stocking rate was the main factor affecting output per ha. Because of the management rules used in this experiment mixed grazing effects are more appropriately assessed through ADG and measures based on it than on output per unit of area.Models were fitted relating steer and lamb ADG to lamb weaning and lamb and steer drafting to stocking rates of steers and ewes. Mixed grazing benefits to steer and lamb ADG to drafting were greater as their proportion in the mix declined and increased with stocking rate. At the 50% proportion, lamb and steer ADG were improved by 5·2 and 3·4% respectively at low stocking rate and 9·4 and 6·6 at high stocking rate. Predicted steer ADG to lamb weaning for a given steer stocking rate increased with increases in ewe proportion up to five ewes per ha and decreased rapidly with further increments in ewe proportion.Mixed grazing efficiency was also evaluated through the Relative Resource Total. This showed that under mono-grazing 10 to 13% more area was required to produce the same grazing season output as under mixed grazing. The 10% improvement in carrying capacity was exceeded for ewe: steer frequencies ranging from 1·5: 1 to 10: 1. Explanations for this greater efficiency in resource capture/use under mixed grazing are discussed.Substitution rates for lamb ADG to weaning (2·35) and to drafting (2·86) and for steer ADG to drafting (0·21) were fairly constant over the 4 years 1978 to 1981.Selection of mixed stocking rates to suit growth rate targets for different animal types and to match food supply with demand under varying soil/climatic/topographical conditions is discussed.

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