A proposed method for determining long term optimum utilization intensities of pastures and veld.

Abstract

Application of utilization intensity as an experimental variable by the use of the pasture disc meter and the put- and take technique is recommended as an alternative to stocking rate experiments. Utilization intensity allows stocking rate to be used as a measure of pasture productivity and consequently the relationship between animal gain and stocking rate and the relationship between veld condition score and utilization intensity could be used to determine a long term optimum utilization intensity for veld in good condition and a range of acceptable utilization intensities which will allow veld in poor condition to recover.

Keywords: condition; disc meter; method; optimum utilization; pasture; pasture disc meter; productivity; range; stocking rate; technique; utilization; veld; veld condition; veld condition score