Effect of veld condition and stocking intensity on species selection patterns by cattle in the Southern Tall Grassveld of Natal

Abstract

The patterns of grazing of Themeda triandra, Tristachya leucothrix and Hyparrhenia hirta by cattle at two stocking intensities were examined within a rotational grazing system at two sites in the Southern Tall Grassveld of Natal. Species utilization data were collected by repeated measures at regular intervals on a sample of marked tufts during spring, late summer/autumn, and winter. Selection patterns were examined between and within species in terms of the number of plants defoliated, and the height and frequency of defoliation. Cattle selected for H. hirta in the post‐burn spring period, which was characterized by high quality and low quantity of available forage. As the availability of H. hirta declined, selection for T. leucothrix and T. triandra increased. These results have important implications for the management of extensive areas of old‐lands, which could provide a valuable source of forage in the early spring period following burning and reduce the grazing pressure on veld. The late summer/autumn period was characterized by low intensity of grazing and infrequent grazing of individual tufts. No clear species selection patterns were evident. It is proposed that increased herbage availability may accentuate the potential for area‐selective grazing. T. triandra was the most preferred species during winter, with intermediate selection for H. hirta and little selection for T. leucothrix.