Seasonal use of tobosa managed under continuous low-stock-density grazing (CLSDG) and rotational high stock density grazing (RHSDG)

TitleSeasonal use of tobosa managed under continuous low-stock-density grazing (CLSDG) and rotational high stock density grazing (RHSDG)
Publication TypeConference Paper
Year of Publication1983
AuthorsAnderson D.M.
Conference Name36th Annual Meeting, Society for Range Management
Date PublishedFebruary 14-18,
Conference LocationAlbuquerque, NM
KeywordsCLSDG, continuous low-stock-density grazing, RHSDG, rotational high-stock-density grazing, tobosa
AbstractA 33.6- and 34.7-ha tobosa (Hilaria mutica) paddock was grazed during the summer of 1980 and 1981 for 168 and 107 days, respectively. The average stocking density (SD) with CLSDG was 0.36 A.U./ha compared to a 10-paddock, 1-herd RHSDG treatment which had an average (SD) of 3.47 A.U./ha. Stocking rates were similar in the CLSDG treatment (0.32 and 0.43 A.U./ha) and the RHSDG treatment (0.35 and 0.43 A.U./ha) during both years. Livestock management was similar during both years in the CLSDG treatment; however, the cattle were moved to sequential paddocks in the RHSDG treatment on fixed dates in 1980 while in 1981 the herd was moved based on the reduction in height of tobosa plants defoliated. Standing crop was clipped at ground level each year in both grazing treatments and in an ungrazed paddock. Animal liveweight was taken approximately every 42 and 31 days in 1980 and 1981, respectively. Total tobosa standing crop and heifer average daily gain was not significantly (P O.35) influenced by the grazing treatments. However, grazing significantly (PzO.0001) reduced the mean end-of-season tobosa standing crop approximately 58%, regardless of grazing method, when compared to the ungrazed control (2068 + 244 kg/ha).