The evaluation of dryland Cenchrus ciliaris l. cv Molopo for weaner calf production in the central grassveld.

Abstract

Weaner calf production from a dryland C. ciliaris pasture was evaluated at three stocking rates under continuous grazing (1978 -1983). Differences in available above ground phytomass (AAP) weaning mass and economic returns were investigated. The AAP decreased with increased stocking rates. At the high and medium stocking rates the animals had to be withdrawn from grazing for an average of 90 and 33 days/year respectively. With above average rainfall the weaner mass produced/ha was highest with a high stocking rate, followed by the medium and low stocking rates. The opposite applied in years with below average rainfall. A stocking rate of 1, 77 ha/LSU (cow/calf production system under continuous grazing) seemed to be the economic optimum for Cenchrus ciliaris in the central grassveld.

Keywords: afrikaans; animal performance; calves; cenchrus ciliaris; continuous grazing; dryland; glen agricultural college; grassveld; grazing; gross margin; pasture; phytomass; production; rainfall; south africa; stocking rate