Fodder Production and Grassland Management

GRAZING METHODS

• The object of scientific grassland management is therefore
  • is to maintain the grassland in the highest state of herbage production and at the same time
  • is to satisfy the forage requirements of the grazing animals
  • is to maintain the fertility of the soil unimpaired.
• In any plan of grazing management, therefore the main principles are to utilize the grass at a time when the growth and reproduction are least un interfered with and to utilize the grass when it is most palatable and nutritious.
• Grasses in general are most palatable and nutritious at the young stage, but the grazing at this stage is harmful to the plants. The palatability and nutritive value decreased with the maturity of the plant and when the grass is consumed only at the late stage, the grazing animal is at a disadvantage because of lower nutritive value. Thus the requirements of the grassland and those of the grazing stock are some what antagonistic and good pasture management consists in effecting a satisfactory compromise between these divergent needs.
  • Controlled continuous grazing  
  • Deferred grazing  
  • Rotational grazing 
  • Deferred and rotational grazing