The influence of number of camps and number of animals on animal production and veld condition.

Abstract

Four grazing systems with 3, 6, 12, and 18 paddocks per flock which vary from a slow season based grazing pattern to a quick rotational system, with a moderate heavy stocking rate were conducted at Glen Agricultural Research Institute for seven years, started in 1967. Animal production of Merino wethers and veld condition were the main measurements. No definite trend could be found between the number of camps but higher production per animal was obtained with the moderate stocking rate, but not per ha. Veld in good condition can be grazed according to any veld management system at the correct stocking rate as long as the rest period is sufficient. The same tendency was obtained with the liveweight.

Keywords: afrikaans; animal production; condition; glen; glenagricultural research institute; grazing pattern; grazing systems; merino; number of camps; season; south africa; stocking rate; veld condition; veld management