The influence of different stocking densities at a constant stocking rate on the production of young steers on Oshona grassveld.

Abstract

A grazing trial was conducted on Oshona grassveld in Ovambo to determine the influence of different stocking densities at constant overall stocking rates on the production of young steers. In the low stocking density treatments (continuous grazing) higher animal production was achieved than in the higher stocking density treatments. The stocking rate was 2 hectares per beast for 6 months for all treatments. A smaller percentage of the available grass was removed at the lower stocking density which indicated higher production and therefore possibly more selective grazing than in the case of the higher stocking density.

Keywords: afrikaans; animal production; continuous grazing; egongo agricultural college; grasses; grassveld; grazing; oshona grassveld; ovambo; production; selective grazing; stocking density; stocking rate; stocking rates; treatments