Assessment of the disc pasture meter on natural veld in the False Thornveld of the Eastern Province.

Abstract

The use of the standard disc pasture meter is found to be a reliable technique for estimating the yield of the densely tufted grass swards found in the False Thornveld of the Eastern Province. It compares favourably with traditional methods of yield estimation in the veld type and its attractiveness lies in the rapidity with which yield estimates can be made and the non-destructive nature of sampling. This latter property enables it to be used to identify the critical level of pasture utilisation, to estimate animal intake and to study animal selection patterns.

Keywords: disc pasture meter; eastern cape; false thornveld; grass sward; grasses; intake; method; pasture; sampling; south africa; technique; veld; yield