Using new insights in grazing management to buffer the impacts of climatic variability on pasture resilience

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Stevens ◽  
Cory Matthew ◽  
Katherine Tozer
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Climatic Variability ◽  
Grazing Pressure ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Root Production ◽  
Leaf Production ◽  
Grazed Pasture ◽  
Farm Scale

Pasture is the main source of nutrition for the New Zealand ruminant livestock industry. Changing climatic conditions and relentless intensification are putting the ability of pastures to provide that nutrition under pressure. Recent understanding of the interactions between grazing management and the life cycle of roots, leaves and seedheads of pasture species creates further opportunities to increase pasture resilience. Root production is directly related to, though lagging, leaf production and turnover. Tiller production is modified by temperature and seedhead production. Matching grazing patterns to maximise the production of each of these features is generally impossible at the farm scale. However, matching some of these characteristics on some of the farm can be achievable, and have long-lasting benefits for pasture resilience. Therefore, grazing management practices such as deferred grazing in late spring, summer and autumn may be used both to provide a boost to root and tiller production, and to transfer feed from one grazing period to another. Changing our winter management practices away from intensive daily allocations towards 4-day shifting may also increase early spring production, while reducing summer grazing pressure in droughts will aid pasture productivity and persistence in the long term. These techniques have the potential to ensure that the future nutritional needs of grazing ruminants will continue to be met by grazed pasture.

Insights on the relationship between total grazing pressure management and sustainable land management: key indicators to verify impacts

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 535 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. M. Waters ◽  
S. E. McDonald ◽  
J. Reseigh ◽  
R. Grant ◽  
D. G. Burnside
Keyword(s):  
Land Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Temporal Trends ◽  
Grazing Intensity ◽  
Grazing Pressure ◽  
Environmental Stewardship ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Sustainable Land Management ◽  
Key Indicators ◽  
The Impact

Demonstrating sustainable land management (SLM) requires an understanding of the linkages between grazing management and environmental stewardship. Grazing management practices that incorporate strategic periods of rest are promoted internationally as best practice. However, spatial and temporal trends in unmanaged feral (goat) and native (kangaroo) populations in the southern Australian rangelands can result land managers having, at times, control over less than half the grazing pressure, precluding the ability to rest pastures. Few empirical studies have examined the impacts of total grazing pressure (TGP) on biodiversity and resource condition, while the inability to manage grazing intensity at critical times may result in negative impacts on ground cover, changes in pasture species composition, increased rates of soil loss and reduce the ability for soils to store carbon. The widespread adoption of TGP control through exclusion fencing in the southern Australian rangelands has created unprecedented opportunities to manage total grazing pressure, although there is little direct evidence that this infrastructure leads to more sustainable land management. Here we identify several key indicators that are either outcome- or activity-based that could serve as a basis for verification of the impacts of TGP management. Since TGP is the basic determinant of the impact of herbivory on vegetation it follows that the ability for rangeland pastoral management to demonstrate SLM and environmental stewardship will rely on using evidence-based indicators to support environmental social licence to operate.

Transmission of weed seed by livestock: a review

2011 ◽  
Vol 51 (5) ◽  
pp. 391 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. P. Hogan ◽  
C. J. C. Phillips
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Germination Rate ◽  
Seed Viability ◽  
Seed Transmission ◽  
Grazing Pressure ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Weed Seed ◽  
Plant Seed ◽  
Native Flora ◽  
Weed Seeds

Weed seeds are readily translocated by livestock by attachment to their coat, by consumption or in vehicles used for transporting them. Livestock transport by land, sea and air is increasing worldwide, which together with increasing livestock production, is anticipated to escalate the risk of weed incursions and displace native flora. There is a particular risk of widespread weed seed dissemination in Australia with its extensive grazing practices and significant amounts of livestock movement. Consumption of weed seeds is largely dependent on grazing management practices, with lax grazing facilitating inflorescence production, the seeds of which may then be consumed if grazing pressure increases. Seed passage through the animal depends on the type of seed and animal intake and is typically 30–70 h. The germination rate of weed seeds is usually reduced by passage through the animal, but faeces in which seed is excreted also have the potential to provide nutrients and moisture to support the germinated plant. Seed viability is largely determined by the type of seed dormancy (particularly the permeability of the seed coat) and the species of livestock. It is concluded that weed seed transmission by livestock is a growing concern that requires addressing at local, national and international levels.

The influence of seed size and seeding rate on the growth of two strains of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.)

1958 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 286 ◽  
Author(s):  
EH Lawson ◽  
RC Rossiter
Keyword(s):  
Seed Size ◽  
Unit Area ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Root Production ◽  
Root Weight ◽  
Seeding Rate ◽  
Leaf Production ◽  
Net Assimilation

The results of a field experiment are presented in which large and small seeds of two strains of subterranean clover, Dwalganup and Mt. Barker, were sown at equal weights of viable seed per unit area. Two seeding rates were examined, and four harvests made during the winter-early spring period. The general conclusion is drawn that seed size has no effect on the growth rate of a subterranean clover sward, provided that sowing rate is held constant. It was found that the earlier strain Dwalganup outyielded the mid-season Mt. Barker strain in terms of total tops weight per unit area, although leaf production was higher in the mid-season strain. Root production, however, was consistently greater in Mt. Barker than in Dwalganup, and in fact total yields (of both tops and roots) were very slightly higher in the Mt. Barker strain. Growth rates are discussed in relation to net assimilation rates and leaf weights, and it is suggested that differences in root weight ratios between subterranean clover strains have not received adequate attention in the past.

scholarly journals Intra and inter-annual climatic conditions have stronger effect than grazing intensity on root growth of permanent grasslands

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Picon-Cochard ◽  
Nathalie Vassal ◽  
Raphaël Martin ◽  
Damien Herfurth ◽  
Priscilla Note ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Root Growth ◽  
Grazing Intensity ◽  
Root Traits ◽  
C Sequestration ◽  
Grazing Pressure ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Root Production ◽  
Shoot Biomass ◽  
Ingrowth Cores ◽  
Growing Seasons

AbstractBackground and AimsUnderstanding how direct and indirect changes in climatic conditions, management, and species composition affect root production and root traits is of prime importance for grassland C sequestration service delivery.MethodsWe studied during two years the dynamics of root mass production with ingrowth-cores and annual above- and below-ground biomass (ANPP, BNPP) of upland fertile grasslands subjected for 10 years to a gradient of herbage utilization by grazing.ResultsWe observed strong seasonal root production across treatments in both a wet and a dry year but response to grazing intensity was hardly observed within growing seasons. In abandonment, spring and autumn peaks of root growth were delayed by about one month compared to cattle treatments, possibly due to later canopy green-up and lower soil temperature. BNPP was slightly lower in abandonment compared to cattle treatments only during the dry year, whereas this effect on ANPP was observed the wet year. In response to drought, the root-to-shoot biomass ratio declined in the abandonment but not in the cattle treatment, underlining higher resistance to drought of grazed grassland communities.ConclusionsRotational grazing pressure and climatic conditions variability had very limited effects on root growth seasonality although drought had stronger effects on BNPP than on ANPP.

scholarly journals Impacts of grazing management on hill country pastures: principles and practices

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 203-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mcg King ◽  
G.M. Rennie ◽  
B. Devantier ◽  
C.J. Hoogendoorn
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategy ◽  
Grazing Pressure ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Management Decisions ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
Pasture Quality ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Ecological Principles ◽  
Farm Scale

Management of the balance of animal demand and feed supply is the result of a complex set of decisions. These decisions interact and are also variably affected by external drivers, including environmental. In particular, both pasture quantity and quality can be optimised by using appropriate grazing management, including stocking rate, livestock class, etc. In essence: apply sufficient grazing pressure at the appropriate time to maintain pasture covers at a level where the development of grass inflorescences is limited and pasture quality is maximised. The optimal grazing management strategy, however, may be different for each paddock and will change through the season. At a whole-farm scale, grazing management will be a set of trade-offs. Understanding the underlying ecological principles that drive the outcome of these grazing management decisions on pasture performance will have the greatest potential to drive the profitability and sustainability of hill country farms. Keywords: Grazing management, pasture performance, pasture quality, hill country

scholarly journals Winter management practices to optimise early spring pasture production: a review

2012 ◽  
pp. 85-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.J. Wall ◽  
D.R. Stevens ◽  
B.R. Thompson ◽  
C.L. Goulter
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Pasture Management ◽  
Bare Area ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
The Past ◽  
Continuous Grazing

The performance of the national ewe flock has increased significantly in the past 20 years. Pasture management in winter and early spring has a large impact on the success of the subsequent seasons. Overgrazing in winter can reduce spring pasture production by up to 80%. Treading and pugging damage can also decrease spring pasture production by 10% for every 10% of bare area created. Maintaining pasture cover at over 2000 kg DM/ha can improve pasture growth, and leaving a residual pasture mass of more than 1200 kg DM/ha also aids in pasture production in late winter. Techniques such as feed budgeting, longer winter feeding periods (4 day cf. 1 day shifting) and increasing the control of feed intake during late pregnancy can be used to help achieve the goals of higher pasture residuals and increased pasture growth and availability. More tools for managing the transition from winter rotational grazing to spring continuous grazing would help farmers. Keywords: early spring production, grazing management, pasture cover, residual cover, treading.

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.

scholarly journals Will current rotational grazing management recommendations suit future intensive pastoral systems?

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danny Donaghy ◽  
Racheal Bryant ◽  
Lydia Cranston ◽  
Michael Egan ◽  
Wendy Griffiths ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Pastoral Systems ◽  
Short Rotation ◽  
External Pressures ◽  
Management Recommendations ◽  
Good Agreement

This review aimed to determine whether current grazing management practices will suit future intensive rotationally grazed pastoral systems. A review of literature on grazing management recommendations found that there was good agreement on the ‘principles’ required for optimal grazing management. While these management practices have stood the test of time, it is concluded that shifts in external pressures (e.g., climate, plant selection and breeding, system intensification) compared to the period when farm-level grazing recommendations were first developed, may necessitate a rethink of current grazing recommendations. Examples include greater pasture masses (e.g., around 4000 kg dry matter (DM)/ha vs. the recommended range of 2600 to 3200 kg DM/ha) where short-rotation (annual, biennial) and tetraploid ryegrasses are sown, provided a consistent post-grazing residual can be maintained (possibly between 40- and 70- mm height). Milder winters and the use of ryegrass cultivars with higher growth rates in late winter/early spring may necessitate either lower target pasture covers at calving or shorter rotation lengths during winter. Longer grazing rotations (well beyond the 3-leaf stage, i.e., equivalent to deferred grazing) can be recommended for select paddocks from mid-spring into summer, to increase seasonal resilience across the farm. Longer residuals (even up to 70 mm - i.e., almost double the recommended height) might improve plant survival during periods of high stress (e.g., heatwaves, droughts). Lastly, diverse species pastures may require specific management to suit dominant species other than perennial ryegrass.

Management of grazing systems

1989 ◽  
pp. 117-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Hodgson
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Management Control ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Pastoral Systems ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Alternative Means ◽  
Grazing Systems ◽  
Stocking Rates

Recent assessments of the relative importance of stocking rate. stocking policy and grazing management on the output from pastoral systems are used as a starting point to argue the need for objective pasture assessments to aid control of livestock enterprises to meet production targets. Variations in stocking rates, stocking policy and other management practices all provide alternative means of control of pasture conditions which are the major determinants of pasture and animal performance. Understanding of the influence of pasture conditions on systems performance should provide a better basis for management control and for Communication between farmers, extension officers and researchers. Keywords: Stocking rate, pasture condition, pasture cover

Regular estimates of paddock pasture mass can improve profitability on New Zealand dairy farms

2015 ◽  
Vol 77 ◽  
pp. 29-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.C. Beukes ◽  
S. Mccarthy ◽  
C.M. Wims ◽  
A.J. Romera
Keyword(s):  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Average Error ◽  
Value Proposition ◽  
Perfect Knowledge ◽  
Operating Profit ◽  
A Value ◽  
Main Driver ◽  
Imperfect Knowledge ◽  
Farm Scale

Paddock selection is an important component of grazing management and is based on either some estimate of pasture mass (cover) or the interval since last grazing for each paddock. Obtaining estimates of cover to guide grazing management can be a time consuming task. A value proposition could assist farmers in deciding whether to invest resources in obtaining such information. A farm-scale simulation exercise was designed to estimate the effect of three levels of knowledge of individual paddock cover on profitability: 1) "perfect knowledge", where cover per paddock is known with perfect accuracy, 2) "imperfect knowledge", where cover per paddock is estimated with an average error of 15%, 3) "low knowledge", where cover is not known, and paddocks are selected based on longest time since last grazing. Grazing management based on imperfect knowledge increased farm operating profit by approximately $385/ha compared with low knowledge, while perfect knowledge added a further $140/ha. The main driver of these results is the level of accuracy in daily feed allocation, which increases with improving knowledge of pasture availability. This allows feed supply and demand to be better matched, resulting in less incidence of under- and over-feeding, higher milk production, and more optimal post-grazing residuals to maximise pasture regrowth. Keywords: modelling, paddock selection, pasture cover

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