Pasture management Flashcards
what is rough grazing?
common land, little or no additional inputs
What is permanent pasture?
Land in ‘grassland’ production
Fields that make cultivation difficult
Likely to have more diverse plant species
What are short term leys/temporary pasture?
Usually part of arable rotation
Better quality land
Grass grown as crop
Grazing or conservation
What is continuous grazing?
few fields rather than lots of paddocks
different fields grazed during day and night
Why type of field is most likely to be grazed with a continuous system?
permanent pastures
What is zero grazing?
grass is cut and carted to livestock daily
What are the pro and cons of zero grazing?
Pros:
- high output per hectare
- quality can be controlled
- integrated with silage making
Cons:
- high cost of machinery and labour
- risk of breakdowns
- no fresh faeces on pasture
What is rotational grazing>
lots of paddocks
3-4 week rotations
What is a paddock grazing system?
divides field into paddocks
rotate livestock to graze and rest grass
What is strip grazing and how can it be used to increase intakes and decrease spoilage?
Use of temporary fencing to control access to fresh grazing
Allows restricted feeding and reduces waste
Prevents defecation/urination of fresh material
Allows extra grass to be conserved
What is back fencing and what is the benefit?
Temporary fences to protect recently grazed areas
allows quicker recovery
what are the pros and cons of no fence fencing?
pros:
- flexibility in grazing management
- reduced physical barriers
- adaptability
Cons:
- relies on tech
- initial cost
- learning curve for animalsa
Why are leader/follower systems used in paddock or rotational systems?
Allows for even forage utilisation
prevents overgrazing
improve pasture health
minimises trampling damage
optimises animal nutrition
mimic natural grazing behaviour
enhanced pasture productivity
Reduces soil erosion
What is forward/creep grazing?
allowing small group (often young or lactating animals) to access pasture first to optimise nutrition of herd
What is poaching?
damage to turf caused by feet of livestock
Where is poaching most likely to occur
highly-stocked fields in wet conditions
Around inappropriately or overflowing water troughs
How is poaching reduced on dairy farms where cattle are brought in to milk often
Well designed laneways
Rotational grazing
Strategic gate placement
Rest periods for pasture
Correct stocking density
Stone or gravel paths
Regular monitoring of pasture
Strategic water trough placement
What is deferred grazing? why do this?
leaving a section of pasture ungrazed for extended period
Improve biodiversity which enhances pasture quality
what is the difference between italian and perennial ryegrass, when would they be used
Italian:
- completes lifecycle in 1 year and establishes quickly
- high quality forage but short lifespan
- used to provide high quality forage in winter months
Perennial:
- high quality pasture that grows slowly with long lifespan
- used for long-term pasture
why would a patch high in clover by used for finishing weaned lambs?
clover is high in protein
compare rotational and continuous grazing in terms of controlling worm burdens
Continuous - worming
Rotational - partial evasion of worms
Describe grass hay
Nutrient rich
derived from various grass species
provides essential fibre for digestive health
supports natural foraging and contributes vital nutrients
Describre grass haylage
preserved forage made fom grass harvested at higher moisture than grass hay
undergoes fermentation than sealed airtight
preserves natural nutrients and enhances palatability
Describe grass silage
fermented and preserved feed made from chopped grass
anaerobic fermentation preserves nutritional value
correct storage important
Describe wholecrop cereal silage
preserved feed made from entire cereal plant
fermentation for preservation
nutritious feed
correct storage important
What is chain harrowing?
spreading faecal material and soil from poaching
What is topping
cutting off mature stemmy material to allow more young regrowth
Wht are the effects of grazing animals on pasture?
Feet - poaching
Faeces - suppresses growth of grass
Urine - uneven scorches on pasture
Pathogens
What is clean grazing?
annual rotation of grass fields to different animals
Break worm lifecycles
