Estimates of carrying capacity and production from herbage yields and grazing days

Abstract

The reliable prediction, from herbage yields, of the carrying capacity of grazing can be of value in farm planning.

In a trial comprising 27 treatment combinations of fertilization and stocking rate under two systems of grazing, it appeared that animal production per unit area can be predicted from herbage yields and from grazing days. It was apparent, however, that the method, and consequent intensity, of utilization influenced the angle of the regression line. Furthermore, it appeared that herbage yield allowed a fair estimate to be made of the carrying capacity provided stocking rates were at an optimum level.

Uittreksel

Die raming van die drakrag van weiveld vanaf plantmateriaalopbrengste, indien betroubaar, kan by plaasbe‐planning van waarde wees.

‘n Proef met 27 kombinasies van bemesting en veelading en twee stelsels van beweiding het getoon dat diere‐produksie per eenheid van oppervlakte voorspel kan word volgens plantmateriaalopbrengste en volgens weidae. Dit was egter ook duidelik dat die benuttingsmetode die helling van die regiessielyn sal beïnvloed. Verder het dit geblyk dal die drakrag volgens plantmateriaalopbrengste voorspel kan word indien die veelading op ‘n optimum peil is.