An evaluation of the empirical basis for grazing management recommendations for rangeland in southern Africa

Abstract

Analysis of over 50 grazing experiments conducted in southern Africa does not support certain management recommendations. Furthermore, the conclusions of some experiments are questionable owing to poor experimental design or confirmation bias. Based on available evidence, it was concluded that (i) stocking rate has a major impact on range condition and animal production, (ii) continuous and rotational grazing or pauci‐ and multi‐camp systems differ little in terms of their effects upon range condition or animal production, (iii) sheep have a greater potential for range degradation than either cattle or goats, but this effect may be ameliorated and sheep production increased by stocking sheep with cattle at narrow ratios, (iv) separation of veld types appears important, and (v) regular seeding or vigour rests, or rests to accumulate fodder, appear essential. Simple grazing systems using adaptive and opportunistic management are recommended.

Die ontleding van meer as 50 weidingsproewe wat in suidelike Afrika uitgevoer is, het onthul dat sekere aanbevelings nie deur proefondervindelike resultate ondersteun word nie, terwyl die gevolgtrekkings van sekere proewe, as gevolg van swak eksperimentele ontwerp, betwisbaar is. Gebaseer op beskikbare bewyse, kan die volgende afleidings gemaak word, (i) weidingsdruk het ‘n belangrike inwerking op veldkondisie en diereproduksie, (ii) dit blyk dat daar min verskil tussen aanhoudende‐ en wisselweiding of min‐ en meerkampstelsels in veldkondisie en diereproduksie is, (iii) skape het ‘n groter potensiaal om veld te degradeer as beeste of bokke, maar die uitwerking mag verminder en skaap‐produksie verhoog word deur skape met beeste in lae verhoudings op die veld te hou, (iv) alhoewel nie getoets nie, blyk die skeiding van veldtipes belangrik te wees, en (v) netso, alhoewel nie getoets nie, blyk gereelde besading, of opbouende rus, of rus om voer op te hoop, noodsaaklik te wees. Ten slotte word aanbeveel dat eenvoudige weiding‐stelsels toegepas word deur aanpasbare en opportunistiese bestuur toe te laat.

Additional index words:

• Continuous grazing
• resting
• rotational grazing
• stocking rate
• veld types