The effects of continuous and rotational grazing of sourveld on the quality of herbage selected by Simmentaler heifers
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A grazing trial was conducted at the Kokstad Agricultural Station to compare the dry matter digestibility (DMD) and crude protein content (CP) of diets selected by four fistulated cattle which were continuously and rotationally grazing sourveld. Two stocking rates of 1, 0 and 2, 3 animals/ha (0, 5 and 1, 2 LSU/ha) were applied under each grazing method. The mean DMD and CP values of diets selected in the continuous and rotational grazing treatments, respectively, were: DMD=64, 3%, 62, 3%; CP=6, 63%, 6, 88%. The effect of stocking rate on the quality of the diet selected varied between the two grazing methods. DMD and CP of diets selected under rotational grazing decreased with time during the week-long period of stay in each paddock. On average, DMD and CP values on the first and sixth day respectively, were: DMD=66, 6%, 60, 5%; CP=8, 37%, 6, 01%. These differences were more pronounced at the higher than at the lower stocking rate. It was concluded that, although some of the treatment differences were small, grazing method differences in the DMD of diets might at least partially account for observed differences in livemass gains under the two grazing systems.n Weidingsproef op suurveld is by die Kokstad Landbounavorsingstasie uitgevoer. Die dromateriaalverteer-baarheid (DMV) en ruproteeninhoud (RP) van die dieet wat geselekteer is, is deur vier gefistuleerde beeste tydens aanhoudende en rotasiebeweiding vergelyk. Veeladings van onderskeidelik 1, 0 en 2, 3 diere/ha (0, 5 en 1, 2 GVE/ha) is toegepas vir elke weistelsel. Die gemiddelde DMV en RP waardes van die dite wat geselekteer is in die aanhoudende- en rotasiebeweiding behandeling is onderskeidelik: DMV=64, 3%, 62, 3%; CP=6, 63%, 6, 88%. Die invloed wat veelading op die kwaliteit van die geselekteerde dieet gehad het, het verskil tussen die weistelsels. Die DMV en RP van die geselekteerde dite onder rotasiebeweiding het afgeneem gedurende die priode vann week in elke kamp. Die gemiddelde DMV en RP-waardes van die eerste en sesde dag was onderskeidelik DMV=66, 6%, 60, 5%; CP=8, 37, 6, 01. By die ho veelading was die verskille nog duideliker as by die lae veelading. Die gevolgtrekking is, dat alhoewel die verskille in behandeling klein was, die verskille in die DMV van die dite ten minste gedeeltelik verantwoordelik is vir waargenome verskille in lewendemassa-toename tussen die twee weistelsels. 1989 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
