Wednesday, 9 November 2005 - 10:15 AM
253-9

Does Grazing Method Matter?.

Lynn E. Sollenberger1, Jose C.B. Dubeux1, Robert Lawton Stewart2, Joao M.B. Vendramini1, and Sindy M. Interrante1. (1) University of Florida, 2185 McCarty Hall, PO Box 110300, Gainesville, FL 32611-0300, (2) Virginia Polytechnic Institute, 3460 Litton-Reaves Hall, Blacksburg, VA 240610306

The merits of rotational and continuous stocking have been debated in many settings for many years. The literature provides ample support for the proponents of either grazing method. The objectives of this 4-yr study were 1) to determine which method results in greater overall herbage accumulation and nutritive value and 2) to evaluate the effect of grazing method on heterogeneity of herbage mass and herbage accumulation, cattle grazing time, excreta deposition, and soil nutrient concentration across bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) pastures. Continuous stocking at three management intensities (Low, Moderate, and High; defined in terms of N fertilizer amount and stocking rate) was compared to rotational stocking (four lengths of grazing period [1, 3, 7, and 21 d], all with the same rest period) managed at the same N amount and stocking rate as High. Herbage accumulation averaged 70 and 42 kg DM/ha/d for rotationally and continuously stocked High treatments, respectively. Herbage N, P, and in vitro digestibility generally did not vary between methods. In continuously stocked pastures, herbage accumulation was greater, cattle spent more time, there was greater proportional deposition of urine and dung, and soil P, K, and Mg all increased in the zone closest to shade and water. Rotationally stocked pastures with 21-d rest periods responded much like continuously stocked pastures, but herbage, animal, and soil responses were more uniform across zones in rotational pastures with 1- or 3-d grazing periods. Rotational stocking resulted in greater productivity of grazed bahiagrass swards, and rotationally stocked pastures with short grazing periods had the most homogeneous herbage accumulation, excreta distribution, and soil nutrient concentration across the pasture.

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