Influence of grazing management on the production of an irrigated grass/legume pasture in the Ruens area of the southern Cape.

Abstract

The production of an irrigated grass/legume pasture was determined using Merino ewes on rotational and continuous grazing systems. The clover content of the pasture declined, while the grass content increased under both systems. The lucerne content of the rotationally-grazed pastures did not change, but lucerne failed to persist under continuous grazing. Rotational grazing resulted in a lower clover content and, consequently, in a lower production per individual animal at low stocking rates during two seasons, but in a higher pasture production and grazing capacity, than under continuous grazing. At high stocking rates the individual animal production was, however, highest under rotational grazing, resulting in a higher animal production per ha than under continuous grazing.Language: English

Keywords: animal production; average daily gain; clover; continuous grazing; Grass pasture; grasses; Grazing; grazing capacity; grazing management; grazing systems; Legume pasture; lucerne; management; Merino; merino sheep; pasture production; pastures; rotational grazing; Ruens; ruens; Sheep; south africa; southern cape; stocking rates; Wool production