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Grassland + Forage Management (Problems (Cutting allow poisonous plants to…
Grassland + Forage Management
Different grazing systems
Strip grazing(form of rotational)-efficient, prone to poaching + soil compactation
Zero grazing-cut + carried to cows housed inside-efficient, un-natural
Rotational/paddock grazing-can adjust stocking rate to nutritional quality of the grass, wastage from trampling if too tall, surplus grass cut for hay/silage
Folding(form of strip grazing)-using pens in the field, efficient, more labour
Set stocking-continuous, high risk of endoparasites, needs hay supplement, weeds
Grassland categories
Permanent grass land-rarely re-swon, moderate nutritional quality , moderate endoparasite risk
Leys(lowlands)-regularly resown with different crops every 3/9 years, lower parasite risk, intensively managed
Rangeland/extensive grazing-never sown, poor nutritional quality, liver fluke risk in wetlands
Nutritional composition of grass
Flowering stems + seeds divert energy-more undigestible lignin, protein content decreases, energy content decreases
Spring pasture=high leaf to stem ratio so is lush, then becomes too fibrous so is less palatable
Main grass=perennial rye grass, crop frequently to prevent flowers + too fibrous parts over growing
Grazing behaviour of different species
Sheep are bottom grazers-prefer short grass, 8-13 hours grazing, feed on lower ground than they rest at night
Pigs feed on grass roots + leaves-poaching can be controlled by nose rings
Cattle are top grazers-prefer long grass, 8-13 hours per day, avoid dung
Deer are bottom grazers-prefer pasture alongside woods for cover
Young animals-copy older animals, exploratory feeders
Problems
Cutting allow poisonous plants to become more palatable as no longer alkaline
Overgrazing-do not regrade before 2 leaf stage reached
Mineral deficiencies common on pasture
Forage born fungal pathogens-rotting grass leads to facial eczema
Plant poisoning-bracken + ragwort
Poaching leads to dirty udders + hygiene
Spring grass diarrhoea leads to difficult dressing of the carcass
Sacrifice paddocks as a solution winter-allowed to be poached + provided with hay to spoil summer paddocks