Viewpoint: Grazing Management and Research Now and in the Next Millennium Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • This paper looks at current grazing management in the context of paradigm shifts and scientific revolution. The impact of livestock on rangelands occurs primarily because livestock selectively defoliate the available herbage rather than indiscriminately consuming herbage according to its availability. Grazing management via the use of traditional grazing systems does not appreciably affect selective foraging behaviour. Stocking rate is the most important variable in grazing management. The ability to determine the proper stocking rate will be hindered by the inability to determine carrying capacity as it varies over time. To change the grazing habits of the animals we must work directly on the genetics of the animal. The most important emerging technology for the management of grazing livestock will be genetic manipulation using both classical selection procedures and genetic engineering. New technologies for monitoring impact of livestock on the rangeland resource and for setting and adjusting stocking rates will also be critical. Interdisciplinary research must be encouraged to meet the future demands. -from Author

published proceedings

  • Journal of Range Management

author list (cited authors)

  • Walker, J. W.

citation count

  • 43

complete list of authors

  • Walker, John W

publication date

  • July 1995

publisher