Sward Structural Characteristics and  Performance of Beef Heifers Reared under Rotational Grazing Management on Campos Grassland

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two rest intervals between grazing on the structural characteristics of pasture and performance of beef heifers in Campos grassland under rotational grazing. The treatments were two intervals between 375 and 750 DD (degree-days) grazing, based on the cumulative thermal sum for leaf expansion of native grasses belonging to capture and conservation groups of resources dominant in a natural grassland. The experiment was conducted during 151 days from October 2015 to March 2016, and twenty-four Braford heifers tests mean age = 12 months; mean body weight = 220kg (± 27.8) were used. The pre-grazing total forage mass (FMt) was on average 3791 kgMSha-1 and did not differ between treatments and season, the same occurred with the non-tussock FM. The average stocking rate was 469 kg ha-1 in both treatments. The average daily gain varied only between seasons, 0.102 kg animal-1 day-1 during spring and 0.372 kg animal-1 day-1 during summer. During the 151 evaluation days, the gain per area was a 103 kgha-1. The use of rest intervals between grazing based on the leaf elongation of dominant grasses, when applied to the areas of Campos grasslands, provided nutritional conditions to reach the target body weight for breeding 24 months old beef heifers.

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WINTER-SPRING NUTRITION AND MANAGEMENT EFFECTS ON EWE AND LAMB PERFORMANCE

Proceedings of the New Zealand Grassland Association ◽

10.33584/jnzg.1984.45.1656 ◽

1984 ◽

pp. 190-198

Author(s):

D.C. Smeaton ◽

P.V. Rattray

Keyword(s):

Live Weight ◽

Grazing Management ◽

Lactation Period ◽

Restricted Feeding ◽

Rotational Grazing ◽

Short Rotation ◽

Pregnancy And Lactation ◽

And Performance ◽

Carry Over ◽

Management Effects

Aspects of the above theme were investigated in 5 trials. Trial 1 compared the effects of high and low nutrition during pregnancy and lactation on ewe and iamb production. Ewe live weight was substantially affected by nutrition treatment during pregnancy but carry-over effects on live weight at weaning were small. Nutrition during lactation strongly affected both lamb and ewe weaning weights. Ewe and lamb losses were not affected by nutrition at any stage. The results implied that ewes can be quite severely restricted on pasture during pregnancy in order to save feed for the much more important lactation period. Trials 2 and 3 investigated the management of ewes fed at maintenance levels in mid-pregnancy. The treatments consisted of various grazing durations where the ewes were shifted from one pasture break to another after a specific grazing duration, as defined by their treatment. These treatments consisted of grazing durations ranging from 3 to 56 days. Liveweight differences occurred during the 56-dav trial period but at the end there was only 2.5kg difference between extreme treatments. This suggests that where ewes are on restricted feeding during pregnancy to conserve pasture reserves, grazing duration has little consistent impact on final ewe live weight and performance. However, for several reasons, a shorter duration (3-7 days) is preferred. Trials 4 and 5 compared several winter-spring management treatments. Ewes on a 35day (short) rotation during pregnancy versus those on a 70day (long) rotation had less pasture on their farmlet at lambing (930 V. 1030 kg/ha). As a consequence the short rotation ewes were 1.5 kg lighter at weaning. Their lambs ware 2.3 kg lighter. In another comparison, set-stocking ewes 4 weeks before lambing compared with at lambing disadvantaged the ewes and lambs by 2-3 kg at weaning. The ewes set-stocked 4 weeks before lambing had consumed most of their winter reserves by lambing. In Trial 5, rotational grazing after lambing until weaning versus set-stocking, disadvantaged the ewes and iambs by 4 and 3 kg respectively at weaning. This was probably because the rotation length of 21 days in the rotational group was too long. Management implications from these results are discussed. Keywords: winter, spring, nutrition, grazing management, ewes, lambs, pregnancy, lactation, grazing duration, rotational grazing, set stocking.

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Effect of grazing management strategies on the yield and nutritional value of Marandu grass in the semiarid of Brazil

Semina Ciências Agrárias ◽

10.5433/1679-0359.2021v42n4p2503 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 42 (4) ◽

pp. 2503-2522

Author(s):

Maria Catiane Silva Veloso Araújo ◽

◽

Eleuza Clarete Junqueira de Sales ◽

Flávio Pinto Monção ◽

Vicente Ribeiro Rocha Júnior ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dry Matter ◽

Nutritional Value ◽

Accumulation Rate ◽

Structural Characteristics ◽

Block Design ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Grazing Management ◽

Rotational Grazing ◽

Pasture Management ◽

Sward Height

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of two grazing management strategies on structural, productive and nutritional parameters of Marandu grass (Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu). A completely randomized block design with two pasture management strategies and eight replications (blocks) was used. The grazing management strategies were: (1) low intensity rotational grazing (LI), with a pre-grazing sward height of 40 cm and a post-grazing sward height of 24 cm, i.e., a defoliation intensity of 50%; (2) High intensity rotational grazing (HI), with a pre-grazing sward height of 40 cm and a post-grazing sward height of 10 cm (±70% defoliation intensity). Pastures were sampled before and after grazing for estimation of forage mass, forage accumulation rate, structural characteristics, nutritional value and dry matter intake.The LI strategy resulted in higher dry matter production than HI before (18.33%) and after grazing (49.06%), increasing pre-grazing forage density by 13.21% (P < 0.05). The production of potentially digestible dry matter was highest (P < 0.05) in LI strategy (21.3% before and 39.6% after grazing, respectively). Higher post-grazing green forage mass (45%) increased the residual crude protein in LI. The LI management strategy increased forage mass production and can be used in Marandu grass pastures.

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A review of the role of grazing management on the growth and performance of white clover cultivars in lowland New Zealand pastures

NZGA: Research and Practice Series ◽

10.33584/rps.6.1995.3379 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 6 ◽

pp. 65-70

Author(s):

J.L. Brock ◽

M.J.M. Hay

Keyword(s):

White Clover ◽

Clonal Growth ◽

Early Summer ◽

Growth Patterns ◽

Grazing Management ◽

Superior Performance ◽

Rotational Grazing ◽

Point Density ◽

Defoliation Frequency ◽

And Performance

The current state of knowledge of white clover clonal growth processes and defoliation management is reviewed, and general recommendations on grazing principals made. Defoliation frequency determines herbage productivity through the manipulation of size/ density compensation between plant organ size (leaves) and numbers of growth units (growing point density). Hence large-leaved cultivars (Pitau, Kopu, Aran) are generally more productive under rotational grazing, whereas small-leaved cultivars are better suited to frequently grazed or set stocked conditions (Tahora, Prestige). The key to persistence is high growing point density, and the development of large-leaved densely branched cultivars should have superior performance over a wider range of grazing managements (Demand, Sustain). Grasses (perennial ryegrass, cocksfoot and tall fescue) grow by similar clonal processes to white clover and react in a similar manner to grazing management. Maintenance of pasture density (growing points/tillers) is crucial to persistence and is best achieved by rapid rotations or set stocking during spring/early summer. This provides protection against drought, and allows better exploitation of the genetic potential of species and cultivars through alternative grazing strategies over the remainder of the year. Keywords: clonal growth, cultivars, grazing management, morphology, populations, rotational grazing, seasonal growth patterns, set stocking, Trifolium repens L., white clover

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Grazed pasture parameters. I. Pasture dry-matter production and availability in a stocking rate and grazing management experiment with dairy cows

The Journal of Agricultural Science ◽

10.1017/s0021859600068283 ◽

1966 ◽

Vol 67 (2) ◽

pp. 199-210 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

A.G. Campbell

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cow ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Grazing Management ◽

Dry Matter Production ◽

Small Scale ◽

Stocking Rate ◽

Rotational Grazing ◽

Pasture Production ◽

Grazed Pasture ◽

Matter Production

1. Net pasture dry matter production and available pasture dry matter were measured over 3 years in a small-scale replica of the study of the effects of dairy cow grazing management and stocking rate reported by McMeekan & Walshe (1963).2. The four treatments were(i) Controlled rotational grazing, light stocking rate (0.95 cows/acre).(ii) Controlled rotational grazing, heavy stocking rate (1.19 cows/acre).(iii) Uncontrolled, set stocked grazing, light stocking rate (0.95 cows/acre).(iv) Uncontrolled, set stocked grazing, heavy stocking rate (1.19 cows/acre).3. The pasture measurement technique employed measured net pasture production (gains through new growth minus losses from all sources). It is argued that this parameter, rather than absolute pasture production, governs the changes in the dry matter feed supply to the grazing animal.

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Regenerative rotational grazing management of dairy sheep increases springtime grass production and topsoil carbon storage

Ecological Indicators ◽

10.1016/j.ecolind.2021.107484 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 125 ◽

pp. 107484

Author(s):

Xabier Díaz de Otálora ◽

Lur Epelde ◽

Josune Arranz ◽

Carlos Garbisu ◽

Roberto Ruiz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Carbon Storage ◽

Grazing Management ◽

Dairy Sheep ◽

Rotational Grazing ◽

Grass Production

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Adaptive, Multipaddock Rotational Grazing Management: A Ranch-Scale Assessment of Effects on Vegetation and Livestock Performance in Semiarid Rangeland

Rangeland Ecology & Management ◽

10.1016/j.rama.2020.07.005 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 73 (6) ◽

pp. 796-810 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

David J. Augustine ◽

Justin D. Derner ◽

María E. Fernández-Giménez ◽

Lauren M. Porensky ◽

Hailey Wilmer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Grazing Management ◽

Rotational Grazing ◽

Scale Assessment ◽

Semiarid Rangeland

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Beef heifers grazing behavior and herbage intake in natural grassland under rotational grazing

Ciência Rural ◽

10.1590/0103-8478cr20141227 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 45 (11) ◽

pp. 2056-2062 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Cezar Wankura Barbieri ◽

Fernando Luiz Ferreira de Quadros ◽

Felipe Jochims ◽

Bruno Castro Kuinchtner ◽

Thiago Henrique Nicola de Carvalho ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Block Design ◽

Beef Heifers ◽

Rotational Grazing ◽

Grazing Behavior ◽

Bite Rate ◽

Herbage Intake ◽

Randomized Block Design ◽

Thermal Sum ◽

Natural Grassland ◽

Rest Intervals

It was evaluated the effect of two rest intervals between grazing occupations in rotational grazing; 375 and 750 DD (degree-days); based on the cumulative thermal sum necessary for leaf expansion of native grasses of two functional groups over the grazing behavior variables from beef heifers with 12 months old. The experiment was conducted as a completely randomized block design, with two treatments, three replications and measures repeated over time. Grazing behavior was assessed in three occasions (Nov 2011, Jan and Mar 2012), with 24h each. The herbage intake was estimated using an external marker (Cr2O3). The leaf mass was similar among the rest intervals, with a mean of 1261kg DM ha-1. The average grazing time was 627.4min day-1 and bite rate was 37.1 bites min-1. The average number of daily meals was 5.9 with an average of 118.5 minutes. Number of feeding stations visited per minute was 6.1 and the feeding stations permanence time was of 12 seconds. There was a reduction only on grazing time and bite rate over the periods. The range of thermal sums evaluated to define the rest intervals in rotational grazing proved no effect on heifers' grazing behavior and herbage intake

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Rotational grazing management of forage peanut

Experimental Agriculture ◽

10.1017/s0014479720000113 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 56 (4) ◽

pp. 495-505

Author(s):

Lucas da Rocha Carvalho ◽

Lilian Elgalise Techio Pereira ◽

Sila Carneiro Da Silva

Keyword(s):

Experimental Period ◽

Early Spring ◽

Grazing Management ◽

Dry Matter Accumulation ◽

Adaptation Period ◽

Forage Grasses ◽

Rotational Grazing ◽

Area Index ◽

Grazing Tolerance ◽

Tropical Forage

AbstractThe perennial forage peanut is a stoloniferous, perennial tropical legume with potential for use in pastures. Based on the hypothesis that under intermittent stocking herbage accumulation would follow a similar pattern to that described for tropical forage grasses, the objective of this study was to evaluate canopy characteristics and herbage accumulation of forage peanut subjected to strategies of rotational grazing management. Treatments corresponded to all possible combinations of two grazing frequencies (regrowth interrupted at 95% and maximum canopy light interception – LI95% and LIMax) and two grazing severities (post-grazing canopy heights (CHs) equivalent to 40 and 60% of the pre-grazing heights). Treatments were imposed to experimental units during an adaptation period (from November 2014 to January 2015) and the subsequent experimental period lasted from February 2015 to April 2016, comprising two consecutive pasture growing seasons with no interruption between them (summer I to summer II). The pre-grazing targets of LI95% and LIMax corresponded to CHs of 13 and 18 cm, respectively. Forage peanut showed high grazing tolerance as pre-grazing leaf area index (except during summer I and autumn/winter), total herbage, and leaflet dry matter accumulation varied only with seasons. Higher rates of herbage production were recorded during summer I and summer II, followed by those during late and early spring and autumn/winter. Since there was no difference in the pattern of herbage accumulation between LI95% and LIMax and stolons predominated at the bottom of the canopies, forage peanut may be rotationally grazed with greater flexibility than most tropical forage grasses. Recommended pre-grazing CHs are within 13 and 18 cm, and post-grazing heights between 40 and 60% of the pre-grazing height.

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

The Journal of Agricultural Science ◽

10.1017/s0021859600005888 ◽

1963 ◽

Vol 61 (2) ◽

pp. 147-166 ◽

Cited By ~ 78

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.

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