The Grazing Capacity and Stocking Rate of the Gongoshi Grazing Reserve, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the grazing capacity and stocking rate of the Gongoshi grazing reserve in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Determination of the grazing capacity was carried out by assessing the forage yield,  while forage yield was assessed by clipping of desirable herbage within a series of quadrants (1m² in size) distributed randomly along the transects at two weeks interval and for a period of three months (August – October 2005). Cutting height varied from ground level to about 10 cm above ground level. The cuttings were put in sample bags for subsequent drying and weighing in an oven at 65^oC. The yield for the entire area was determined from the mean yield per quadrant. The grazing capacity was found to be 4, 486 TLU per year, while mean forage yield 213.0 kgDM/ha, and total forage yield of grazing reserve was 15,975,000 kgDM. It was recommended that strict compliance with the correct stocking rate of 0.584TLU/ha/year or 4,486 TLU for one year should be maintained.