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Introduction: Affected by global climate warming and changing rainfall patterns, the degree of soil desiccation in arid grasslands has increased and soil wind erosion has become a major environmental concern. Understanding and controlling the characteristics of sand flux and wind erosion caused by the degradation of grassland vegetation, as well as their changing patterns, has become a top priority in combating grassland degradation. Therefore, the aim of this study is to clarify the extent of wind erosion in desert grasslands and its influencing factors in order to provide a theoretical basis and data support for the restoration of grassland vegetation and the sustainable development of grassland livestock production. Methods: Use of SAS and Origin statistical software to perform multifactorial analysis of variance on variables such as year, stocking rate, meteorological conditions and wind-sand flux to determine the degree of influence of different factors on sand flux and the magnitude of interactions among different factors. Results and discussion: The results showed that wind-sand flux was higher when rainfall was low and stocking intensity was high. Specifically, the wind-sand flux increased by 50.3% and 83.6% in the moderate and high grazing treatments, respectively, compared to the control. The data obtained also showed that there was a significant interaction between climate and grazing intensity, suggesting that an increase in one factor may attenuate the differences in wind-sand flux at different levels of other factors. There is likely to be a threshold effect of stocking rate of moderate grazing on the variation of wind-sand flux influenced by different factors. In summary, the factors affecting wind-sand flux in the arid desert steppe are numerous and complex, with stocking rates below moderate grazing being key to reducing wind-sand flux. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate estimation of livestock carrying capacity (LCC) and implementation of an appropriate actual stocking rate (ASR) are key to the sustainable management of grazing adapted alpine grassland ecosystems. The reliable determination of aboveground biomass is fundamental to these determinations. Peak aboveground biomass (AGBP) captured from satellite data at the peak of the growing season (POS) is widely used as a proxy for annual aboveground biomass (AGBA) to estimate LCC of grasslands. Here, we demonstrate the limitations of this approach and highlight the ability of POS in the estimation of ASR. We develop and trail new approaches that incorporate remote sensing phenology timings of grassland response to grazing activity, considering relations between biomass growth and consumption dynamics, in an effort to support more accurate and reliable estimation of LCC and ASR. The results show that based on averaged values from large-scale studies of alpine grassland on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP), differences between AGBP and AGBA underestimate LCC by about 31%. The findings from a smaller-scale study that incorporate phenology timings into the estimation of annual aboveground biomass reveal that summer pastures in Haibei alpine meadows were overgrazed by 11.5% during the study period from 2000 to 2005. The methods proposed can be extended to map grassland grazing pressure by predicting the LCC and tracking the ASR, thereby improving sustainable resource use in alpine grasslands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grazing lands can be considered a conservation land use providing value to farmers and society. An underappreciated value of these lands may be in C and N storage and cycling. However, soil organic C (SOC) and total soil N (TSN) storage under humid‐temperate zone pastures have not been well characterized. A survey of 31 farms in Virginia USA characterized SOC and TSN depth distributions under a diversity of grassland management scenarios, as well as in comparison with long‐term no‐till cropland and woodland uses on the same farms. Root‐zone enrichment calculations separated management‐controlled SOC and TSN stocks from a baseline condition characterized at 30‐cm depth. Total stock of SOC at 0–30‐cm depth varied from 46 to 88 Mg C ha−1 (5%–95% range from 304 soil profiles) across all land uses. Root‐zone enrichment of SOC was maximized under mature pastures (≥20 years old) at 38.3 ± 1.6 Mg C ha−1, which was not different from that under woodland (39.8 ± 1.2 Mg C ha−1), but was greater than under no‐till cropland (28.3 ± 1.3 Mg C ha−1) and conventional‐till cropland (15.1 ± 5.1 Mg C ha−1). Root‐zone enrichment of TSN was optimized at stocking rate of ~1 Mg live weight ha−1, but was not affected by stocking method, N fertilization history, or low levels of hay feeding. These results suggest that grazed pastures in Virginia are storing significant amounts of SOC and TSN, with at least half due to management‐induced compared with pedogenic‐controlled accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selection of key soil physical properties (SPPs) for studying the impact of livestock treading is an unexplored research topic, especially in studies that analyze the influence of livestock management on the degradation process. The objective of this work was to demonstrate that the key SPPs for studying the impact of livestock treading depend on the objectives of the research and the environmental characteristics of the study site. This work used discriminant analysis to establish the most significant SPPs among the following: bulk density (BD), total porosity (P), field capacity (FC), infiltration capacity (IC), and aggregate stability (AS). Results showed that (1) IC and BD are the key properties for identifying the areas affected (bare patch) and unaffected (vegetated patch) by livestock treading, (2) none of the SPPs are significant under increasing stocking rates, and (3) BD is the key property for analyzing livestock impact with increasing stocking rate, using soil calcium carbonate content, slope exposure, and grass cover. We concluded that the relationship between physical soil degradation and stocking rate is not linear because it depends on environmental factors; therefore, to establish the key SPPs, it is necessary to take this fact into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The desert steppe is unique as a transition zone from the steppe to the desert of the Eurasian Steppe. The spatial distribution of shrubs and perennial plants has changed due to long-term disturbance caused by overgrazing in the ecosystem. This study aimed to determine the degree of patchiness of shrubs and perennial plants under grazing disturbance, which is of great significance to better understand the succession mechanism of plant community in the desert steppe. This study investigated the spatial distribution of shrubs and perennial plants under four stocking rates (no grazing, CK, 0 sheep·hm−2·half year−1; light grazing, LG, 0.93 sheep·hm−2·half year−1; moderate grazing, MG, 1.82 sheep·hm−2·half year−1; heavy grazing, HG, 2.71 sheep·hm−2·half year−1) in the desert steppe of Inner Mongolia, primarily using geostatistical methods. The density of perennial grasses increased with increasing stocking rate, while its height decreased (except for HG). The density and height of the shrubs and the perennial forbs showed an exponential or gradual decline. The spatial distribution of shrubs and perennial plants is mainly affected by structural factors such as topography, soil parent material, and climate, and the density of shrubs and perennial plants is most sensitive to changes in stocking rate. An appropriate stocking rate increases the spatial heterogeneity of shrubs and perennial plants, but heavy grazing reduces the spatial heterogeneity of shrubs and perennial plants.

The Number 2 Dairy (No. 2 Dairy) unit at Ruakura, Hamilton, New Zealand was established as a dairy research farm in 1943 and became recognised globally as one of the leading institutes for farm systems science. The research undertaken was fundamental to the 'systemisation' of component research into replicable, efficient, competitive, and sustainable dairy systems. From McMeekan's seminal research in the 1950s on rotational grazing to the experiments of Carter, Campbell, Bryant, Penno and others, who brought greater resolution to the key principles influencing successful outcomes on-farm, the more than 60 years of experimental research led to 'good practice' rules that were to transcend geographical, climatic, and system-level interactions. Much of the research can only be found in Annual Reports or in summary form in conference proceedings and not in an electronic form. Our objective was to collate and discuss the research undertaken, thereby ensuring that the legacy of this great work and the wisdom amassed are not lost. To this end, we have compiled a compendium of the research undertaken at No. 2 Dairy, with the hope that it be used to inform the scientific rationale for system design and to stimulate future hypotheses for system improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the complex relationship between livestock production and wildlife conservation. It acknowledges that the increase in human population and demand for food, water, and land has led to the expansion of livestock production, which can have both positive and negative impacts on wildlife. The article emphasizes the need for sustainable practices, such as adjusting stocking rates and rotating herds, to create heterogeneous landscapes that benefit both production and wildlife conservation. It also highlights the creation of the Grassland Alliance in South America and the positive conservation status of birds in the region. The text calls for further research and effective dialogue between stakeholders to achieve a balance between livestock production and biodiversity conservation. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Selective grazing creates stable patches of contrasting sward height, thereby providing different growth conditions for the grass sward above and below ground and potentially affecting soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks. We hypothesized that the presence of patches leads to greater spatial variability in belowground biomass (BGB) and SOC stocks than occurs between pastures managed under different stocking intensities. Methods: A long‐term grazing experiment consisting of three stocking intensities was used for this study. We studied BGB, SOC, and soil total nitrogen (Ntot) stocks in the 0–15 cm soil depth. Shannon diversity of plant species, soil bulk density, soil phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium contents were considered. Results: There were no significant effects of patch or stocking intensity on BGB, SOC, and Ntot stocks. Short patches had a greater Shannon diversity than tall patches (p < 0.05) and plant‐available nutrients in soil correlated positively with sward height (p < 0.05). Conclusions: We conclude from the current results and previous studies that higher plant species diversity with lower soil nutrient contents in short‐patch areas and higher nutrient contents together with light competition in tall‐patch areas might balance each other out with respect to BGB and SOC stocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Parkia platycephala pods in the supplements for grazing sheep on intake, digestibility, and animal performance. Twenty-four sheep (21.26 ± 2.87 kg) were used by a completely randomised design with six animals per treatment. The evaluated treatments were mineral salt (MS), mineral salt + urea/ammonium sulfate (urea-supplement; UR), multiple supplements based on corn + soybean meal (MSCS), and multiple supplements in which P. platycephala pods replaced 50% of corn (MSPP). The supplements evaluated did not affect pasture intake, and total dry matter (DM) intake was higher for animals fed multiple or UR than those fed with MS. Sheep fed multiple supplements presented 55.57% higher crude protein (CP) intake than those fed MS or UR. Neutral detergent fibre intake was 17.76% lower in sheep fed MS than those fed other supplements. Animals fed multiple supplements presented higher digestibility for DM and CP than those fed MS or US. Animals fed multiple supplements presented 54.61% higher total body weight gain and 54.79% higher average daily gain than those fed MS or US. Thus, Parkia platycephala pods can replace 50% of corn in multiple supplements without compromising the performance of grazing sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Prataculturae Sinica is the property of Acta Prataculturae Sinica Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A high stocking rate can intensify wind erosion in grasslands, and strong wind can carry away soil surface particles, soil carbon (C), and nitrogen (N), which leads to soil barrenness. In this research, the dust flux, total carbon (TC) and total nitrogen (TN) contents, and fluxes of aeolian sediment were determined in the nongrowing season (mid‐October to mid‐April of the following year) and growing season (mid‐April to mid‐October) from 2017 to 2020 at a continuous grazing gradient experiment platform established in 2004 in a desert steppe in Inner Mongolia, China. The results were as follows: (1) As the stocking rate increased, fluxes of aeolian sediment at 10 cm (H10), 30 cm (H30), and 100 cm (H100) were greatly increased (p < 0.05). Aeolian sediment fluxes followed the order control (CK) < light stocking rate (LG) < moderate stocking rate (MG) < heavy stocking rate (HG). (2) The TC and TN contents of aeolian sediment decreased with an increase in stocking rate, and higher grazing intensity resulted in a difference in TC content, which decreased between the two seasons. The TC flux/aeolian sediment flux increased with an increase in stocking rate, and the ratio of TC flux increased between two seasons due to the influence of heavy grazing. Grazing disturbance had little effect on TN flux. As grazing intensity increased, wind erosion resulted in an increase in soil available carbon loss, and this loss was more severe in the nongrowing season. (3) The C/N ratio increased with increase in aeolian sediment flux. The aeolian sediment flux and C/N showed an inverse relationship with the increase in grazing intensity. Regression lines for the two seasons showed an intersecting trend, and the intersection points moved backward as height increased, indicating that higher stocking rates could reduce the influence of grassland vegetation on C/N. As height increased, the regression intercept increased, indicating that the loss of wind‐eroded soil changed from a low C/N loss to a high C/N loss. In general, high stocking rates aggravated soil wind erosion, resulting in more C pool loss than N loss in terms of soil elements and more available C loss in the nongrowing season. In the nongrowing season, vegetation characteristics are poor, coupled with grazing interference, and wind erosion in the nongrowing season is serious in general; however, the change law of C and N in wind‐eroded soil is directly related to its particle size. C and N content in fine particles is higher, and C content in soil is much higher than N, so the TC loss is relatively large; therefore, reducing the intensity of grazing can reduce the occurrence of soil wind erosion, and implementing measures to protect grassland in spring and other periods vulnerable to wind erosion would be conducive to the sustainable usage of grassland resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate estimation of livestock carrying capacity (LCC) and implementation of an appropriate actual stocking rate (ASR) are key to the sustainable management of grazing adapted alpine grassland ecosystems. The reliable determination of aboveground biomass is fundamental to these determinations. Peak aboveground biomass (AGBP) captured from satellite data at the peak of the growing season (POS) is widely used as a proxy for annual aboveground biomass (AGBA) to estimate LCC of grasslands. Here, we demonstrate the limitations of this approach and highlight the ability of POS in the estimation of ASR. We develop and trail new approaches that incorporate remote sensing phenology timings of grassland response to grazing activity, considering relations between biomass growth and consumption dynamics, in an effort to support more accurate and reliable estimation of LCC and ASR. The results show that based on averaged values from large-scale studies of alpine grassland on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP), differences between AGBP and AGBA underestimate LCC by about 31%. The findings from a smaller-scale study that incorporate phenology timings into the estimation of annual aboveground biomass reveal that summer pastures in Haibei alpine meadows were overgrazed by 11.5% during the study period from 2000 to 2005. The methods proposed can be extended to map grassland grazing pressure by predicting the LCC and tracking the ASR, thereby improving sustainable resource use in alpine grasslands.

Background and aims: Grazing pressure can degrade environmental quality and disrupt ecosystem structure and functions, while its potential effect on the soil microbiome is unclear. Method: We evaluated the effects of grazing intensity (CK: no grazing, LG: light grazing, MG: moderate grazing, HG: heavy grazing, and OG: overgrazing) on soil microbial diversity and community composition in a desert steppe. Results: Different microbial communities were found under different grazing intensities, resulting from differences in soil moisture, nutrients and plant species. Alpha-diversity in the bacterial community was strongly correlated with soil organic content (SOC) and soil water content, while the alpha-diversity of the fungi depended on the SOC and pH of the soil. Grazing treatments LG, HG and OG caused strong shifts in bacterial and fungal community composition. Heavy grazing (HG and OG) significantly increased the relative abundances of Chloroflexi, Gemmatimonadetes, and Firmicutes bacteria, while light grazing (LG) significantly decreased the relative abundance of Actinobacteria. Grazing intensities HG and OG increased the relative abundances of certain fungi (e.g., Ascomycota). Co-occurrence network analysis indicated that bacterial communities had a more complex network than fungal communities. A multivariate regression tree demonstrated that the bacterial community responded to grazing via changes in the biomass of perennial plant species and SOC, whereas the SOC and pH value altered the fungal community composition. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that different grazing intensities can initiate different changes in the soil microbiome; sustainable grazing intensity over decades facilitates the recovery of primary productivity and ecosystem functions in a desert steppe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Annals of the Polish Association of Agricultural & Agribusiness Economists is the property of Polish Association of Agricultural & Agribusiness Economists and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

There is limited knowledge of grazing impacts on longer term plant community dynamics following fire in sagebrush steppe. This study evaluated vegetation response to different intensities of deferred rotation cattle grazing over 16 years (2007–2022) on burned Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis (Beetle & Young) Welsh) steppe in eastern Oregon. Treatments were applied in a randomized complete block, which included no grazing on burned (nonuse, n = 5) and unburned (control, n = 5) steppe; and cattle grazing at low (low, n = 4), moderate (moderate, n = 4), and high (high, n = 4) intensities on burned steppe. Vegetation dynamics were evaluated by repeated measures analysis of canopy cover and density of shrub and herbaceous species and functional groups. Herbaceous functional groups were an early‐season bunchgrass (one species, Sandberg bluegrass [Poa secunda J. Presl]), tall perennial bunchgrasses, perennial forbs, annual grass (one species, cheatgrass [Bromus tectorum L.]), and annual forbs. Tall perennial bunchgrass, Sandberg bluegrass, and perennial forb cover and density did not differ among the treatments but did decrease over time in all treatments. The cover of several tall bunchgrass species was generally less in the high treatment, mainly, Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis Elmer) and Thurber's needlegrass (Achnatherum thurberianum (Piper) Barkworth). The cover of cheatgrass and annual forbs varied among years but was greater in the burned‐grazed and nonuse treatments than in the control. Native plant cover in the burned treatments (grazed and nonuse) represented 77%–85% of total herbaceous cover versus the control where native plants comprised 91% of the total. Annual weather variability appears to account for most of the compositional dynamics measured in the various grazed and ungrazed treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The Northern Refuge of Lake Michigan was established under the auspices of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission in 1985 as an additional step toward restoring a self‐sustaining Lake Trout Salvelinus namaycush population to the lake. The overall goal of our study was to assess progress toward Lake Trout rehabilitation in the Northern Refuge through 2021. Methods: We conducted annual (1992–2021) gill‐net surveys in the fall to assess the adult population and beam trawl surveys in the spring to assess naturally reproduced age‐0 Lake Trout. Result: Spawner abundance averaged 45 fish • 305 m of gill net−1 • day−1 during 1992–1999, just 4 fish • 305 m of gill net−1 • day−1 during 2000–2014, and then 67 fish • 305 m of gill net−1 • day−1 during 2018–2021. Sea Lamprey Petromyzon marinus wounding rate decreased by nearly 90% between the 2000–2014 and 2015–2021 periods. The average annual mortality rate of adult Lake Trout decreased from 43% during the 1990s and 2000s to 22% during 2015–2021. All of these population dynamics were partly driven by changes in Lake Trout stocking rates, which declined by roughly 50% during 1994–1996 but then increased roughly twofold during 2006–2010 and remained at this higher level during 2010–2018. In 2021, early signs of natural recruitment of Lake Trout became evident. Beam trawling during June 2021 yielded a wild age‐0 Lake Trout, the first ever caught since the surveys began in 1992. In addition, 15 (4% of total catch) of the Lake Trout caught in the fall 2021 gill‐net survey were unclipped (wild) fish. Estimated ages of these wild fish indicated that natural recruitment had begun sometime around 2015. Conclusion: With Alewife Alosa pseudoharengus abundance in Lake Michigan at record low levels, Sea Lamprey wounding rate greatly reduced, and Lake Trout spawner abundance at relatively high levels, the outlook for Lake Trout rehabilitation in the Northern Refuge holds promise. Impact statementWe documented significant progress toward the goal of establishing a self‐sustaining Lake Trout population in the Northern Refuge of Lake Michigan during 2009–2021. Accomplishing this goal is a key step in stabilizing the ecosystem, but additional effort is still needed to reach the goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding beef cattle enteric emissions on extensive western U.S. rangeland systems is critical for implementing sustainable grazing practices that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These practices must also improve livestock and plant productivity and climate resiliency while maintaining or reducing production costs. However, enteric emissions of grazing cattle under different stocking rates and grazing management strategies are largely unknown for western U.S. rangelands. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the differences in enteric emissions of stocker steers grazing native rangeland. Yearling Angus steers (n = 127) were stratified by initial body weight (BW) to six groups, then randomly assigned to one of six pastures grazed from June to September 2023 at the South Dakota State University Cottonwood Field Station (Cottonwood, SD) as part of a long-term stocking rate trial (80+ yr). Each pasture was equipped with a GreenFeed (C-Lock Inc, Rapid City, SD) pasture system to measure individual animal CH4 and CO2 emissions for continuous grazing (CG) and rotational grazing (RG) strategies in three stocking rates (Light, Moderate, and Heavy, 0.32, 0.40, and 0.72 animal unit months, respectively) in a 2 x 3 factorial design. Differences in enteric emissions among stocking rate and grazing strategy were analyzed using a linear mixed effects model in R, using the lme4 package, with animal as a random effect, and a post-hoc contrast among treatments was assessed using the lsmeans package. Steer initial and final BW were similar (P > 0.05) among treatments. For CH4 emissions, there was a significant interaction between stocking rate and grazing strategy (P < 0.05). Specifically, CH4 emissions for moderate-RG (195 ± 4.3 g/d) were less than those from heavy-CG (221 ± 4.5 g/d) and light-RG (221 ± 4.7 g/d) over the study period (P < 0.05). For CO2 emissions, light-CG steers respired greater CO2 emissions (6892 ± 101 g/d) than heavy-RG (6398 ± 107 g/d; P < 0.05). All other treatment lsmeans were similar (P > 0.05) and intermediate to these treatment effects. The assessment of GHG emission values for cattle grazing native rangeland is essential for informing climate mitigation strategies, improving animal efficiency, and understanding changes in GHG emissions over production phases and across animal classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With good winter tolerance and rapid spring growth, cereal rye can fill the early spring grazing gap in pasture productivity. However, there are little data regarding how to best use these acres in the Midwest. Thus, the objective was to study the effect of forage allowance on steer performance when rotationally grazing fall-planted cereal rye in the spring. Over 3 yr, steers (n = 170) were stratified by initial body weight (BW; yr 1 = 338 kg, yr 2 = 375 kg, yr 3 = 347 kg) and assigned to treatment groups of 5 to 30 depending on the year and desired stocking rate (range = 1.98 to 7.41 steers/ha) then assigned to a pasture. Experimental unit (EU) was pasture (n = 14), with three EU per year in yr 1 and 2 and eight EU in yr 3. Pasture size ranged from 0.81 ha to 6.1 ha. Pastures were divided into 2 paddocks for rotational grazing in yr 1 and 2, while pastures in yr 3 were divided into 4 paddocks. Grazing was initiated when average pasture height reached 12.7 cm and groups were rotated when paddock height reached 5 cm. Just before initiation of grazing in a paddock, forage mass and nutritive value were measured. The weighted average nutritive value of the cereal rye across the 3 yr was 69 ± 2.5% digestible organic matter (DOM) and 22.9 ± 5.1% CP. Data were analyzed using the regression procedure of SAS to test for a linear relationship between stocking rate and either forage offered or forage mass to determine if stocking rate effectively changed forage availability. Forage offered averaged 4.62 (SD ± 1.80) kg DM·100 kg BW-1·d-1 and had a moderate (R² = 0.51) negative linear relationship (P < 0.01) to stocking rate. Mean forage mass was 947 (SD ± 301) kg DM·ha-1 was negatively linearly related (P < 0.01) to stocking rate with a moderate correlation of (R2 = 0.39). Additionally, a linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between average daily gain (ADG) and forage offered, forage mass, DOM offered, and CP offered. There was no correlation (P ≥ 0.75) between ADG (0.91 kg/d; SD ± 0.15) and the parameters of interest. The average DOM offered was 3.18 (SD ± 1.18) kg DOM·100 kg BW-1·d-1 and the average CP offered was 1.13 (SD ± 0.62) kg. When rotational grazing immature cereal rye, stocking rate did influence the amount of forage offered; however, ADG was not influenced by forage offered when it ranged from 1.4 to 8.5 kg DM·100 kg BW-1·d and there was no relationship between ADG and forage mass or nutrients offered. Lack of observed differences is likely due to the high nutritive value of the forage coupled with the close monitoring of forage height in the rotationally grazed system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract There is limited knowledge of grazing impacts on longer term plant community dynamics following fire in sagebrush steppe. This study evaluated vegetation response to different intensities of deferred rotation cattle grazing over 16 years (2007–2022) on burned Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis (Beetle & Young) Welsh) steppe in eastern Oregon. Treatments were applied in a randomized complete block, which included no grazing on burned (nonuse, n = 5) and unburned (control, n = 5) steppe; and cattle grazing at low (low, n = 4), moderate (moderate, n = 4), and high (high, n = 4) intensities on burned steppe. Vegetation dynamics were evaluated by repeated measures analysis of canopy cover and density of shrub and herbaceous species and functional groups. Herbaceous functional groups were an early‐season bunchgrass (one species, Sandberg bluegrass [Poa secunda J. Presl]), tall perennial bunchgrasses, perennial forbs, annual grass (one species, cheatgrass [Bromus tectorum L.]), and annual forbs. Tall perennial bunchgrass, Sandberg bluegrass, and perennial forb cover and density did not differ among the treatments but did decrease over time in all treatments. The cover of several tall bunchgrass species was generally less in the high treatment, mainly, Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis Elmer) and Thurber's needlegrass (Achnatherum thurberianum (Piper) Barkworth). The cover of cheatgrass and annual forbs varied among years but was greater in the burned‐grazed and nonuse treatments than in the control. Native plant cover in the burned treatments (grazed and nonuse) represented 77%–85% of total herbaceous cover versus the control where native plants comprised 91% of the total. Annual weather variability appears to account for most of the compositional dynamics measured in the various grazed and ungrazed treatments.

Despite their significance, how interactions of plant diversity at multiple spatial scales and soil microbial stoichiometry alter a series of ecosystem functions (multifunctionality, EMF) in response to anthropogenic nitrogen (N) input and herbivores are poorly known. We conducted a 17‐year sheep grazing experiment with 6‐year N addition to explore the impacts of grazing (0, 2.7, 5.3 and 8.7 sheep ha−1) and N addition (N0, N5, N10 and N20, i.e., 0, 5, 10 and 20 g N m−2 yr−1, respectively) on grassland functions and EMF via changes in plant α‐and β‐diversity, and carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N) of soil microbes in a typical steppe. The results show that grazing or N addition alone significantly affected EMF with a treatment order of 2.7 and 8.7 sheep ha−1 > 0 and 5.3 sheep ha−1 for grazing intensity or N5 > N10 and N20 > N0 for N addition, which resulted in a significant higher EMF in the combination treatment of 2.7 sheep ha−1 and 5 g N m−2 yr−1. Plant α‐and β‐diversity, and soil microbial C:N were the predominant drivers of changes in EMF. Grazing reduced EMF indirectly by decreasing the plant β‐diversity. N addition promoted EMF indirectly by decreasing plant α‐diversity. In addition, lower plant α‐diversity enhanced EMF indirectly by increasing soil microbial C:N. Our results suggest that the negative effects of herbivore on EMF were stronger at larger spatial scales compared to the smaller local communities, while N addition could maintain a higher level of EMF at smaller scales rather than at the larger ones. Our results highlight that multiple spatial scales should be considered to fully unravel the effects of herbivore and eutrophication on ecosystem functions. Our results also demonstrate the important role of soil microbe in maintaining higher grassland multifunctionality, thus we should include the soil microbial functions (i.e., C and N transformation) in further studies. Our results suggest that grazing at a low grazing intensity of 2.7 sheep ha−1 with a low N supplementation of 5 g N m−2 yr−1 could maintain the most important ecosystem functions. Our work provides important insight into grassland conservation and management, aiming to maintain the capacity of grasslands to sustainably supply ecological and productive functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Thar Desert, Sindh, Pakistan is characterized by low productivity. Besides, economy is based on agriculture, livestock and mining, nevertheless, livestock graze freely on public and private land. The aim of this research was to determine biomass production and to evaluate the effects of continuous and seasonal grazing on protected and unprotected plots. A 45 ha protected rangeland area of Hurrabad in the Umerkot Thar desert was selected and divided into three blocks of 15 ha each. Blocks of the same size were also established in unprotected area. The data for vegetation biomass, canopy cover, forage nutrients and weight gain of animals in two seasons (spring and summer) was collected from both protected and unprotected sites. The results showed that biomass significantly increased in summer in both sites. However, the biomass values in protected sites were significantly higher. Similarly, the vegetation cover also seemed to increase in summer in both protected (90.7% ± 0.29%) and unprotected sites (39.2% ± 0.09%). The foliar concentrations of all nutrients varied significantly with season. The average final live-weight gain for does on the protected grazing sites during the 42-day period in spring and the 96 days after the monsoon was almost double that of does grazing on the unprotected site during 2016 and 2017 (P < 0.05). The study concludes that the protection of grazing lands during certain periods can lead to better production of vegetation and livestock and improve range conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate two methods to estimate dry matter availability in mixed pastures in the Amazon region, Peru. Materials and Methods: The traditional method and the electronic capacitance method with Grass Master Pro equipment were used. A complete randomized block design was used, with two sources of variation: five pastures, three evaluation periods (20, 40 and 60 days) and the average of 15 observation units per pasture. A variance analysis and multiple comparisons of means were performed using Tukey’s test: 5 % probability to compare the existence of significant differences among means. Linear and polynomial regression were also used to estimate the relationship between the two methods. For data processing and analysis, the statistical program R was used. Results: Actual dry matter values were obtained using the quadrat method. The traditional method and the electronic capacitance method showed significant differences (p < 0,05). Dry matter availability by the traditional method was 3 530,3 kg DM/ha and by the capacitance method 3 942,4 kg DM/ha. With the linear regression, a determination coefficient of R2 = 0,87 was obtained and with the polynomial regression, of R2 = 0,93. Conclusions: The electronic capacitance method reported average dry matter measurements in the pasture, significantly higher than the traditional method, and showed desirable and concordant characteristics for its use in animal husbandry activity.

Objective: To characterize the plant community of the pastureland in a dairy farm under commercial conditions in Matanzas province, Cuba. Materials and Methods: A study was conducted of the pastureland community on a Ferralitic Red soil, in a typical dairy farm of 120 animals and an area of 72,4 ha. From them, 57,8 dedicated to grazing, distributed in 29 paddocks of 1,9 ha each as average. The variables pasture availability, floristic composition of the pastureland, stocking rate and forage balance, were analyzed. Results: The natural pastures predominated in the system, with a contribution of more than 60,0 % in the dry season and close to 70,0 % in the rainy season. The species Paspalum notatum Alain ex Flügé, Dichanthium annulatum (Forssk.) Stapf and Dichanthium caricosum (L.) A. Camus prevailed. The highest pasture yield was obtained in the rainy season (2,86 t/ha) and the lowest value, in the dry season (1,79 t/ha). Nevertheless, the dry matter supply throughout the year did not exceed 16 kg DM/animal/day. The effective stocking rate values (1,3 LAU/ha) exceeded the established optimum value. The forage balance showed a dry matter deficit higher than 3,0 kg /LAU/day in both seasons. Conclusions: The low pasture yield throughout the year was linked to the high predominance of natural species and weeds present in the pastureland. The highest availability was reached in the rainy season. The stocking rate values are over the optimum value.

ABSTRACT: Pooled data analysis is an analytical method that combines results from multiple studies. This technique provides a more robust estimate of the effects of an investigation. We performed a database analysis from seventeen experiments developed at Federal University of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, between 1999 and 2017 to characterize individual performance per area and stocking rate with or without supplementation of replacement heifers grazing winter pastures. Data were separated into two groups: with and without energy supplement provision, and into five subgroups based on supplement levels. Heifers from both groups were maintained under similar forage biomass and leaf blade allowance. Statistical analyses were run on R software using a ‘meta’ package. Supplement supply increased average daily gain and gain of body condition scores by 11.1% and 20.0%, respectively. Supplement levels higher than 1.2% of body weight resulted in higher weight gain per area, with the stocking rate increasing with higher supplement levels.

Copyright of Artvin Çoruh Üniversitesi Orman Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Artvin Coruh University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: Herbivore grazing and nitrogen (N) input may alter the multiple ecosystem functions (i.e., multifunctionality, hereafter) associated with carbon (C), N, and phosphorus (P) cycling. Most studies on variations in plant diversity, soil biotic or abiotic factors, and linkages to ecosystem functions have focused on grazing or N enrichment alone. Few studies have combined these two factors to explore the role of plant resource stoichiometry (C:N:P ratios) in ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF) control. Here, we evaluated the direct and indirect effects of stocking rate (0, 2.7, 5.3, and 8.7 sheep ha− 1) and N addition rate (0, 5, 10, and 20 g N m− 2 yr− 1) on a range of ecosystem functions and EMF via changing plant diversity, soil pH and plant resource stoichiometry in a typical steppe on the Loess Plateau. Results: We found that increasing stocking rate and interaction between grazing and N addition significantly decreased EMF, while increasing N addition rate significantly promoted EMF. Grazing decreased soil NH4+-N, soil NO3−-N, aboveground biomass, and plant C, N, and P pools, but increased soil total N and P at 8.7 and 5.3 sheep ha− 1, respectively. N addition increased soil NH4+-N, NO3−-N, and total P. Plant aboveground biomass, and plant C, N, and P pools increased at the lower N addition rate (≤ 5 g N m− 2 yr− 1) under grazing. The structural equation models indicated that (1) EMF was driven by the direct effects of grazing and the indirect effects of grazing on plant resource stoichiometry and soil pH; (2) EMF increased with increasing N addition rates, but such positive response of EMF to increasing N addition rates was alleviated at high levels of plant resource stoichiometry and diversity; and (3) the indirect effects of plant diversity induced by grazing and N addition had moderate effects on EMF via the variations of plant resource stoichiometry. Conclusions: This study demonstrated grazing and N addition had contrasting effects on ecosystem multifunctionality in a typical steppe, and highlighted the capacity of plant diversity in balancing plant elements that serve as a key mechanism in the maintenance of EMF in response to intensive grazing and N enrichment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Prataculturae Sinica is the property of Acta Prataculturae Sinica Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Gamka Karoo is a low-lying vegetation type in the semi-arid Nama Karoo in the south-western part of South Africa with extensive rangelands used for livestock ranching and wildlife. Although the Nama Karoo is generally resilient to grazing and most responsive to variable rainfall, chronic overstocking, particularly in the driest regions and around water points, could degrade vegetation and soils. The interactive effects of rainfall (MAP) and grazing (stocking rate, percentage overstocking, resting system) on plant species composition and soil chemical characteristics were examined on 36 farms across a regional rainfall gradient (120–300 mm y−1) and around water points (n = 3) on farms. Multivariate direct gradient analyses revealed regional species compositional differences were related most strongly to MAP (r = 0.736), but not to grazing, with no MAP × grazing interaction. On a smaller scale, grazing intensity (1/distance from water point) had a weak negative impact on the vegetation (r = 0.36) and soil chemistry (r = 0.49) with nutrient enrichment around water points in paddocks. Our findings suggest that the Karoo is responsive to rainfall, but loosely coupled to grazing. Adaptive management with livestock numbers matched to rainfall and forage supply is recommended to sustain animal production, vegetation and soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 16‐week experiment was conducted to assess whether dietary supplementation with Digestarom® as a phytogenic feed additive could reverse the negative influences of high stocking density in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). For this purpose, 240 fish (2.4 ± 0.1 g) were divided into six groups. Two groups (D1 and D2) were fed a basal diet and reared under different stocking densities of 125 and 250 fish per m3. The other fish groups (D3, D4, D5 and D6) were raised under a high stocking density of 250 fish per m3 and fed supplemented diets with Digestarom® P.E.P. MGE at levels 50, 100, 200 and 300 mg per kg diet respectively. Growth retardation and impaired feed efficiency resulting from rearing fish at high stocking density were improved in groups fed diets fortified with 200 and 300 mg Digestarom® per kg diet. Moreover, rearing fish at a density of 250 fish per m3 significantly reduced Hb, RBCs, MCV and total protein but increased WBC, MCHC creatinine, urea‐N, ALT and AST. On the contrary, enriched tilapia diets with 200 or 300 mg Digestarom® per kg diet significantly corrected the earlier altered haematological indices and serum biochemical indicators. Furthermore, the addition of 300 mg Digestarom® to the diets of tilapia reared at high stocking density significantly modulated lipid deposition and ash level in their flesh. Conclusively, supplementing the Nile tilapia diet with 300 mg Digestarom® per kg feed could be a promising supplement for combating the negative impacts of high stocking density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alpine grasslands are distributed widely on high-elevated ranges and plateaus from the wet tropics to polar regions, accounting for approximately 3% of the world's land area. The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) is the highest and largest plateau in the world, and approximately 60% of the plateau consists of alpine grassland, which is used mainly for grazing animals. Livestock structure was determined in Guinan (GN), Yushu (YS) and Maqu counties (MQ) on the QTP by interviewing 235 local pastoralists. Based on data collected from GN, the livestock carrying capacity was calculated using herbage dry matter biomass intake (LCC m) by the livestock, and the metabolizable energy yield (LCC e) and digestible crude protein (LCC p) available in pasture. The pasture area per household differed among the regions of the QTP, which was the main reason for the difference in livestock stocking rate. The householders raised the appropriate proportion of breeding females and young yaks and sheep in GN and MQ, but not in YS, to maintain a constant turnover. Most pasture in YS was used at the community level, especially in summer. The calculated carrying capacities based on metabolizable energy yield (LCC e) of the pasture and dry matter biomass (LCC m) were similar in most months except for August, when the value of LCC e was higher than LCC m. Based on the digestible protein of the pasture, the calculated livestock carrying capacity overestimated the actual carrying capacity during the herbage growing season from May to September. Appropriate practices should be taken in different regions of QTP, such as providing supplementary feed, especially protein, during the forage non-growing season. Livestock carrying capacity should be adjusted dynamically, and calculated by a number of parameters. The stocking rate should be controlled to optimize livestock production and curb or minimize grassland degradation to generate a sustainable system. This study examined the grasslands and LCC on the QTP, but the results could be applied to grasslands worldwide. • Maintaining old yaks is the main reason for high stocking rate on the grassland. • Livestock turnover rate is faster in lowland than highland of the Tibetan Plateau. • Using forage digestible protein overestimates pasture carrying capacity in summer. • It is recommended to use dry matter biomass to estimate pasture carrying capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zoigê wetland is located in the southeastern edge of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, in recent years, the wetland local area grassland productivity decline, land sanding, and other serious degradation phenomenon. Using remote sensing and hydrology data combined with the basic principles of vegetation ecology, we applied the Carnegie–Ames–Stanford Approach (CASA) model and Boreal Ecosystem Productivity Simulator (BEPS) model to invert the net primary productivity (NPP) of the Zoigê wetland ecosystem and then identified the deficiencies of the two models. In this article, we tested the factors that influence the light use efficiency of vegetation and considered the effects of livestock grazing on grassland ecosystems and wetland moisture content on vegetation growth. A new grazing coupled remote sensing process (GCRSP) model suitable for the productivity of the Zoigê wetland was proposed. Field survey data were combined with the CASA model, BEPS model, and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) NPP product, and the accuracy of the proposed GCRSP model was analyzed at regional level. The results show that after fitting the field measurements to the GCRSP model, the fitted variance between the model and the measured data is 0.84, which is larger than the variance between the other two methods and the measured data. In addition, the variance of the linear fit between the GCRSP model and the MODIS NPP product was 0.11, which was relatively small, indicating that the regional-scale GCRSP model was relatively accurate for the Zoigê wetland NPP. Therefore, this model was suitable for the inversion of regional-scale NPP. The results indicated that the average grassland NPP of the Zoigê wetland was 487.57 gC/m2, and larger NPP values were distributed near the rivers and wetland and smaller NPP values were distributed in the mountain glacier and desertified land areas. These results were consistent with the regional characteristics. This article provided technical and theoretical support for the desertification management of the Zoigê grassland and a new method for studying vegetation NPP, and the findings could help improve the accuracy of regional-scale vegetation NPP estimates.

Abstract In grazing ecosystems, mature seeds fall directly to the soil to form the soil seed bank (SSB), or are ingested by grazing livestock to become part of the dung seed bank (DSB; i.e., seed circulation). Both the SSB and DSB form the basis for the natural regeneration of vegetation. However, little is known about the relationships between the SSB, DSB, and aboveground vegetation (AGV) community under different stocking rates (SRs). This study investigated the relationships between the SSB, seeds in Tan sheep (Ovis aries) dung, and AGV at different SRs (0, 2.7, 5.3, and 8.7 sheep ha–1) in a semiarid region of the Loess Plateau in China. We found that Tan sheep grazing increased the species richness heterogeneity of grassland vegetation, and negatively influenced the density of AGV. Under natural conditions, 17 species from soil‐borne seeds and 10 species from Tan sheep dung germinated. There was low species similarity between the soil and DSBs and AGV. Sheep SR and the seed banks (soil and dung) were negatively correlated with AGV. Seeds are cycled from herbage to livestock to soil during cold season grazing; the seasonal nature of this seed dispersal is an adaptation to harsh, semiarid environments. Increased seed bank diversity under sheep grazing facilitates grassland regeneration on the Loess Plateau, similarly to other semiarid regions globally.

The adjustment of stocking rates of production systems is a technique used to increase animal productivity per area, by defining the availability of forage mass per animal in a predefined time. This study evaluated the effects of stocking rates in different intensive animal production systems, including an integrated system with Brazilian native trees. The experiment was carried out from September 2019 to September 2020 at Embrapa Southeast Livestock, São Carlos, SP, Brazil. Thirty Nellore steers (375 ± 30 kg live weight; 22 ± 23 months old) were randomly distributed in five treatments, with two replicates: 1) intensively managed and irrigated Megathyrsus maximus cv. Tanzânia pasture with a high stocking rate, overseeded in the dry season with Avena byzantina and Lolium multiflorum (IHS); 2) intensively managed pasture of rainfed M. maximus cv. Tanzânia with high stocking rate (RHS); 3) intensively managed rainfed pasture with a mix of Urochloa decumbens cv. Basilisk and Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu with a moderate stocking rate (RMS); 4) intensively managed silvopastoral system with U. decumbens cv. Basilisk pasture and Brazilian native trees (345 trees ha-1), with a moderate stocking rate (LFS); and 5) extensively managed degraded pasture with a mix of U. brizantha cv. Marandu and U. decumbens cv. Basilisk, with a low stocking rate (DP). All pastures were submitted to stocking rate adjustments using the "put and take" technique. Grazing was continuous in DP and rotational in IHS, RHS, RMS and LFS, with grazing cycles of 36 days (intermittently grazed, with three days of occupation and 33 days of rest). All pastures, except DP (2.0 ha), received liming and corrective fertilization with P, K, S, and micronutrients. Pastures in IHS and RHS (1.8 ha each) were fertilized, respectively, with 600 and 400 kg N ha-1 year-1. Pastures in RMS and LFS (3.1 and 3.5 ha, respectively) received 200 kg N ha-1 year-1. Animals were weighed at regular intervals of approximately 28 days during the experimental period to evaluate the number of animal units (AU = 450 kg live body weight) per area (AU ha-1). The average stocking rate was calculated according to the area, total number of days of the experimental period and for the four seasons of the year. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and comparison of means by the Fisher test at 5%, using the PROC MIXED of SAS. Interaction was observed between treatments and seasons (P≤.0001). In spring, a higher stocking rate was observed in IHS (3.63 AU ha-1), followed by RMS, DP and RHS (1.83, 1.81 and 1.73 AU ha-1, respectively) with similar (P>0.05) values, while LFS (1.04 AU ha-1) presented the lowest value. In summer, with the highest forage mass availability, the stocking rate increased in all systems: IHS (8.91 AU ha-1) was able to maintain the highest value, followed by RHS (6.07 AU ha-1), RMS (3.02 AU ha-1), while LFS and DP (2.45 and 2.29 AU ha-1, respectively) presented the lowest and similar values. In autumn, IHS and RHS (5.85 and 5.60 AU ha-1, respectively) presented the highest and similar values, followed by RMS (3.72 AU ha-1), DP (2.51 AU ha-1), and by LFS (1.02 AU ha-1). In winter, IHS and RHS (2.91 and 2.83 AU ha-1, respectively) continued to present the highest and similar values, followed by DP and RMS (1.78 and 1.70 AU ha-1, respectively) with intermediate and similar values, while LFS (0.74 AU ha-1) continued to present the lowest value. We concluded that the more intensive systems allowed higher stocking rates in relation to the DP system, considering the forage mass availability in the different seasons of the year. In the LFS system, the competition for natural resources (light and water) between the system’s components (pasture and trees), in addition to low temperatures and soil moisture during the dry period (autumn and winter seasons), determined the low stocking rates observed.

IntroductionGrasslands are the most important land use in China and have experienced extensive degradation in the past few decades due to overgrazing. However, regionally viable solutions to grazing intensity alleviation remained elusive to date.MethodsHere, we evaluated the grazing intensity effects of sown alfalfa pastures in northern China using an experiment-modeling combined approach that involved six sites in field experiments and five provinces in DNDC modeling of sown alfalfa pasture’s forage production and carbon sequestration potentials in marginal lands.ResultsOur results showed that the sown alfalfa pasture’s dry-matter yield varied between 4.5 and 9.0 Mg ha-1 under rainfed and irrigated conditions, respectively, from 2025 to 2035. If half of the available marginal lands were mobilized for alfalfa forage production, these yield levels meant that livestock grazing intensity on natural grasslands may drop 8-13% under rainfed and 20-33% under irrigated conditions. Our results also showed that marginal land’s soil organic carbon contents were systematically higher under sown alfalfa pasture than under fallow management by a big margin of 8.5 and 9.9 g kg-1 (i.e., +79 and +95%), under rainfed and irrigated conditions, respectively, during 2025-2035.DiscussionOverall, these results demonstrated that sown alfalfa pasture on marginal lands represents an effective grassland conservation pathway over the short- to medium-term time horizon based on current technologies.

Dung decomposition is a key process affecting the cycling of carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). However, dung decomposition and nutrients (i.e., C, N and P) cycling in relation to stocking rate are still poorly understood in the alpine meadow. In this study, we carried out a 720-days field experiment to explore the differences in composition, mass, decomposition and nutrient cycling between sheep dung collected from grazing grassland with a high stocking rate (HSRD) and a low stocking rate (LSRD). Our results demonstrate that the dung mass, and C, N and P return were significantly higher for HSRD, whereas the C and N content were significantly greater in LSRD. The time required to achieve 75 % C, N and P loss from HSRD was longer (859.06 to 2664.7 days) than that (806.6 to 2123.7 days) from LSRD. However, after 720 days of decomposition, the release rates of DM (dry matter), C and N from LSRD were lower than that from HSRD; as a result, the leaching and residual mass respectively accounted for 2.03 % and 31.95 % of the original C content in LSRD, which were lower than that in HSRD (2.45 and 36.48 %, respectively); N released into the atmosphere (37.13 %) from LSRD was greater than that (32.08 %) from HSRD. Our findings suggest that stocking rate may change dung quantity, composition and decomposition rate, affecting biogeochemical cycling processes in grassland ecosystems.

Simple Summary: The objective of this study was to describe the development of aggressive pecking, gentle feather pecking and severe feather pecking of non-beak-trimmed laying hen pullets during the first 4 weeks of life. The pecking behavior patterns were observed in three different experimental groups, which differed in stocking rates and the provision of enrichment material. The enrichment materials were suitable and intensely used by the pullets. The provision of pecking blocks and pecking stones is recommended as a preventive measure from the first day of life onwards for pullets housed in commercial rearing aviaries. There was no effect of reduced stocking rate, most likely due to the low variation in stocking rates. The objective of this study was to describe the ontogeny of the severe feather pecking (SFP), gentle feather pecking (GFP), aggressive pecking (AP), and enrichment pecking (EP) of non-beak-trimmed Lohmann Brown (LB)-pullets during the first 4 weeks of life (observation on 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th days of life) while they were kept within the compartments of a commercial rearing aviary (without access to a litter area). All chicks were placed into compartments of the middle tier of the aviary on the 1st day of life. On the 10th day of life, half of the chicks of each compartment were moved into the compartments of the lower tier. The aviary floor was covered with chick paper before the placement of the chicks and fully or partially removed from the 15th day of life onwards. The pecking behavior patterns were observed in three experimental groups (EG): NE (not enriched): group size until/after 10th day of life: 230/115; 120.8/60.4 birds/m2, no enrichment; EL (enriched, low stocking rate): group size until/after 10th day of life: 203/101, 106.6/53.6 birds/m2; and EH (enriched, high stocking rate): group size until/after 10th day of life: 230/115;120.8/60.4 birds/m2, both pecking stones and blocks as enrichment) in two rearing periods. For each pecking behavior pattern, an independent regression model with the parameters EG, chick paper, observation day, and functional area was estimated. GFP, SFP, and EP increased with age during the observation. The AP rate was highest in all EGs on the first day of life and decreased during the observation period. A pairwise comparison of NE (high stocking rate without enrichment) with EH (high stocking rate with enrichment and with EL (low stocking rate with enrichment) showed a significant effect of the EG on pecking behavior, with more SFP, AP, and GFP in NE. There were no differences between EL and EH, indicating that the provision of pecking materials had more influence than the stocking rate. However, we presumed that the difference between the stocking rates were too small to observe an effect. AP, SFP, and GFP were significantly higher on wired slats, as compared to the perches and the vicinity of the enrichment materials. The enrichment materials were suitable and intensely used by the pullets. The provision of pecking blocks and pecking stones was recommended as a preventive measure from the first day of life onwards for pullets housed in commercial rearing aviaries. There was no effect of reduced stocking rate, most likely due to the low variation in stocking rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the potential use of available grazing land for suckler cow herds was examined and we determined their stocking rate in the Region of Central Macedonia, in 2019. Data were collected by field research and through interviews from a stratified sample of 66 breeders, to identify the livestock population and achieve the characterization of pastures. The pastures included public and private grazing lands that are used by suckler cows and their calves during the six-month summer grazing period that takes place in most cases by moving the animals from the farm's facilities. The survey revealed that the average stocking rate of the Region was 0.70 Livestock Units/ha with strong variability within the study area (min 0.13, max 1.06). Also, the relatively high predation risks on pastures and their seasonal use, on the one hand, do not help to achieve satisfactory productive yields and, on the other hand, pastures are at risk of direct deterioration due to over-grazing.

Uganda’s wetlands, especially in south-western Uganda are increasingly being invaded by cattle herders, particularly during droughts. Such uncontrolled grazing is accelerating wetland degradation. The objective of this study was to assess seasonal forage availability on farms neighbouring Ekigaaga wetland in south-western Uganda, and to determine their optimum stocking for sustainable productivity and ecological stability. The grazed area on each side of the virgin wetland was taken as a block, giving two blocks. In each block, three square metre sampling plots were demarcated along a transect line cutting across farms adjacent to the wetland. Some of these plots were fenced and others were left open to grazing by livestock. Two months after setting up the study, vegetation samples were collected from the fenced and unfenced plots in each block once every month, for a period of six months. Livestock classes and numbers grazing on each block were established and standardised into Tropical Livestock Units (TLU); where one TLU is equivalent to a cow weighing 250 kg. During wet and dry seasons, Cynodon dactylon was the most abundant forage species in the unfenced plots in both blocks. Fencing increased the prevalence of Chloris gayana and Themeda triandra in block 2. Sporobolus pyramidalis was the most abundant weed in both blocks. Fenced and unfenced plots in block 1 had higher grazeable forage yields (488.05 and 399.97 kg ha-1, respectively) than block 2 (432.08 and 371.97 kg ha-1, respectively). The TLU that could be safely grazed on blocks 1 and 2 were 121 and 107, respectively compared to the TLU being grazed on blocks 1 (279) and 2 (381). Therefore, to sustain the productivity and ecological stability of these grazing areas, there is need to control weeds/ thickets, improve forage resources by oversowing with quality forages, and to adjust livestock numbers to match with forage quantities available for grazing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple bird species-at-risk nest on the ground in hayfields and pastures, making nests susceptible to inadvertent destruction from agricultural activity (e.g., trampling by livestock). To better understand the impact of Domestic Cattle (Bos taurus) grazing, we assessed the distribution and breeding status of nesting grassland birds in 2019 and 2020 at the Grey Dufferin Community Pasture, a ~234 ha pasture in southern Ontario, Canada. We estimated there were 86 male Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) in the community pasture in 2019 and 100 in 2020 before grazing began; observed abundance decreased by 73% in fields after grazing in 2020. Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) maintained territories after grazing and fledged young in 67% (n = 21) of territories. Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) was common across the community pasture before and after grazing occurred. We detected evidence of nesting more frequently in Bobolink and Savannah Sparrow territories in ungrazed than in grazed fields. Our results support previous research indicating nesting Bobolink often disperse from moderately to heavily grazed fields, whereas Eastern Meadowlark and Savannah Sparrow largely remain and renest. Despite the inadvertent negative impacts of cattle stepping or laying on nests and consuming vegetative cover, the community pasture provides areas for successful nesting, with Eastern Meadowlark faring better than Bobolink. Flexibility in the timing and duration of grazing in rotational grazing systems may enable strategic management in target fields (e.g., maintaining enough vegetation for nesting Bobolink). Information about the distribution and abundance of birds can be used to target particular fields for conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In pasture-based dairy production systems, identifying the appropriate stocking rate (SR; cows/ha) based on the farm grass growth is a key strategic decision for driving the overall farm business. This paper investigates a number of scenarios examining the effects of SR (2–3 cows/ha (0.25 unit changes)), annual nitrogen (N) fertilizer application rates (0–300 kg N/ha (50 kg/ha unit changes)), soil type (heavy and a free-draining soil) and agroclimate location ((south and northeast of Ireland) across 16 years) on pasture growth and forage self-sufficiency using the pasture-based herd dynamic milk model merged with the Moorepark St Gilles grass growth model. The modelled outputs were grass growth, grass dry matter intake, silage harvested and offered, overall farm forage self-sufficiency and N surplus. The model outputs calculated that annual grass yield increased from 9436 kg DM/ha/year when 0 kg N/ha/year was applied to 14 996 kg DM/ha/year when 300 kg N/ha/year were applied, with an average N response of 18.4 kg DM/kg N applied (range of 9.9–27.7 kg DM/kg N applied). Systems stocked at 2.5 cows/ha and applying 250–300 kg N fertilizer/ha/year were self-sufficient for forage. As N input was reduced from 250 kg N/ha/year, farm forage self-sufficiency declined, as did farm N surplus. The results showed that a reduction in N fertilizer application of 50 kg/ha/year will require a reduction in an SR of 0.18 cows/ha to maintain self-sufficiency (R2 = 0.90). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large animal unit, grazing unit, and browsing unit methods for determining carrying capacity of wildlife use only metabolic weight as a factor to determine the energy requirements of game, whereas the large stock unit method uses metabolic weight and energy requirements of the animal at a specific welldefined physiological production stages. The metabolizable energy requirement in megajoules per day (MJ ME/day) was regressed on weight in kg using a log-log transformation to ascertain whether the large animal unit method was suitable for defining and determining the ME requirements of game. The resulting equations were used to compare the calculated ME and large stock unit values with the published values. Six of the seven categories had values higher than 0.75 with R² values of >0.99, the exception being calf/lamb data with a value of 0.742 with an R² = 0.97. The physiological production stages that were analysed were calf/lamb, young dry cow/ewe, mature dry cow/ewe, young cow/ewe with calf/lamb, mature cow/ewe with calf/lamb, young bull/ram, and mature bull/ram. These results indicated that metabolic weight was neither conceptually correct nor sufficiently accurate to calculate ME requirements for game, confirming the acceptance of the alternative hypothesis. Therefore, the large animal unit (metabolic weight method) cannot replace the large stock unit (metabolizable energy method). The derived log-log transformation equation provided a more accurate method for determining the metabolizable energy requirements and dry matter intake values for sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) and other game species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 14-week trial was undertaken to examine the effects of coenzyme Q10 (CQ10) and l -carnitine (LC) dietary supplementation, either individually or in combination, on the feed intake, growth, blood biochemistry, immunity, economic viability, and body composition of Nile tilapia fingerlings reared at a high stocking density. The study involved eight groups of 450 tilapia juveniles, with an average weight of 6.083 ± 0.09 g, assigned to different treatments. Two groups were fed a basal diet and stocked at densities of 30 and 60 fish per m3, respectively. The remaining groups were reared at a high stocking density of 60 fish/ m3 and fed diets fortified with LC at 150 mg (G3), LC at 300 mg (G4), CQ10 at 20 mg (G5), CQ10 at 40 mg (G6), LC at 150 mg + CQ10 at 20 mg (G7), or LC at 300 mg + CQ10 at 40 mg (G8) per kg of diet. The findings revealed that high stocking density had an adverse impact on tilapia growth performance. Nevertheless, the inclusion of LC and CQ10 in the diet, whether separately or in combination, significantly improved growth parameters and enhanced survival rates. The G6, G7, and G8 groups showed the most significant improvements in growth and survival. High stocking density resulted in decreased moisture and crude protein content, while LC and CQ10 supplementation increased these components and reduced crude fat and ash content. High stocking density negatively impacted blood metabolites, leading to elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, and urea-N, as well as decreased total protein and albumin. However, supplementation with LC and CQ10 effectively alleviated these effects, improving the levels of these parameters. All supplemented groups showed enhanced lysozyme activity and IgM concentration, with the greatest improvements observed in the G6, G7, and G8 groups. Economic analysis indicated that LC and CQ10 supplementation improved final and relative margin, except in the G4 group. In conclusion, the combined supplementation of LC and CQ10 shows promise in enhancing productivity and profitability in tilapia farming under high stocking density conditions, particularly in concrete tanks. • Combined l -carnitine (LC) and coenzyme Q10 (CQ10) exhibited the highest improvements in growth and immunity. • Supplementation of fish diets with LC and/or CQ10 resulted in increased growth and a decrease in mortality rate. • The addition of LC and/or CQ10 to tilapia's diet improved the immune response and blood biochemical indicators. • Including 40 mg of CQ10 in the diet had the highest economic efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Stipa breviflora desert steppe is an important component of the Eurasian steppe, and its ecosystem functions are directly affected by changes in the individual functional traits of S. breviflora. Based on 14 years of data from the grazing experiment in S. breviflora desert steppe, we investigated changes in the individual tillering traits of S. breviflora in response to four levels (none, light, moderate, heavy) of long-term grazing. The results showed that: (i) long-term grazing resulted in a greater decrease in species richness and increased biomass contribution of S. breviflora in the communities; (ii) long-term grazing resulted in significant differences in aboveground/belowground plant tillering functional traits and their relationships under different grazing intensities; (iii) the leaf biomass of S. breviflora tillering individuals was strongly dependent on leaf number, while the change in root biomass was strongly dependent on the total root length, specific root length, root furcation number, and root crossing number. The response of S. breviflora biomass to grazing intensity and its relation to tillering individual traits revealed that long-term grazing leads to vast tillering in S. breviflora tussock and significant changes in S. breviflora tillering traits, which will have a profound influence on the function of the desert grassland ecosystem.

Abstract Background Strongylid nematode infections may negatively affect both animal health and welfare, with deleterious consequences for livestock productivity. Many farmers in recent decades have relied on anthelmintics as the sole strategy of control, but the intensive use of these chemotherapeutics has led to the development of anthelmintic resistance (AR). Knowledge of both the efficacy of anthelmintics and factors promoting AR are essential to effectively control nematode infections, but no information on these topics for goats in the Czech Republic (CR) is available. This survey aimed to determine the occurrence of AR at Czech goat farms and to identify risk factors for the development of AR. A total of 24 herds of dairy goats across the CR were evaluated using in vitro tests for detecting AR, and a questionnaire survey was carried out to evaluate factors associated with AR. Results Resistance against benzimidazoles was confirmed at 18 (75%) farms, and the level of resistance was high in four (22%) of the affected herds based on the egg hatch test. Ivermectin-resistant nematodes were detected in 13 (54%) herds using the larval development test; Teladorsagia/Trichostrongylus and Haemonchus were the predominant types of resistant larvae. Eight (62%) of the affected herds were evaluated as highly resistant to ivermectin. Eleven (46%) of the herds were resistant to both benzimidazoles and ivermectin. This report is the first on dual AR in the CR. A univariate logistic regression analysis indicated that a high stocking rate and farmer inexperience were significantly associated with ivermectin and benzimidazole resistance, respectively. Conclusions The results of our survey suggest that AR is widespread amongst herds of dairy goats in the CR, likely due to inappropriate practices of pasture and health management. AR may be an issue for expanding dairy-goat production in the CR in the near future unless both veterinary practitioners and farmers widely adopt strategies to prevent the development of AR.

The semi-arid mulga lands of the Southern Rangelands of Western Australia experience frequent droughts. Maintaining a profitable animal grazing enterprise whilst preserving rangeland condition requires selecting an appropriate stocking rate and herd structure. We construct and apply bioeconomic models of beef enterprises for the semi-arid Southern Rangelands of Western Australia, to assess the profitability and relative riskiness of three different livestock production systems and three different stocking rates when exposed to different frequencies of drought. We construct bio-economic models of herd structures that separately focus on producing either: (i) 200 kg heifers and 210 kg steers (ii) live export of 340 kg heifers and 380 kg steers, or (iii) 500 kg heifers and 560 kg steers for local slaughter. The models are applied to assess the financial and production resilience of each herd structure for three different stocking rates, given the incidence of drought and various price scenarios. Comparing the three herd structures, option (iii) produces more kilograms of beef at an equivalent grazing pressure and recovers fastest from drought. Considering cattle prices over the 7-year period ending in 2021, live export and slaughter production systems generate comparable financial returns to graziers' actual reported results. Under two different scenarios of future prices, option (iii) provides the most profitable outcome. Applying a stocking rate that is 66% of a recommended stocking rate allows use of residual rangeland feed (known as 'haystack') during drought, generates greater profit, and produces a more stable herd size and income. Not matching the haystack with the longest modelled drought reduces the grazier's average annual profit by $172,000. The optimum herd structure identified in this study targets the production of 500 kg heifers and 560 kgs steers for local slaughter, and relies on a conservative stocking rate that leaves enough haystack to increase resilience if ever consecutive droughts occur. In the Southern Rangelands of Western Australia, there are financial and environmental merits in a herd structure that produces heavy steers and heifers for local slaughter yet is underpinned by conservative stocking rates. [Display omitted] • Semi arid beef production in Australia is prone to drought. • Bioeconomic modelling reveals drought resilient herd structures and stocking rates in the Southern Rangelands. • Producing heavy steers and heifers for local slaughter at conservative stocking rates provides resilience to drought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Livestock grazing is one of the most common utilization methods and exerts a significant effect on the carbon allocations between the above- and belowground components of a grassland ecosystem. The major aim of this study were to evaluate the proportions of 13C allocation to various C pools of the plant-soil system of a meadow steppe ecosystem in response to changes of stocking rate. Methods: In situ stable 13C isotope pulse labeling was conducted in a long-term grazing experiment with 4 stocking rate. Plant materials and soil samples were taken at eight occasions (0, 3, 10, 18, 31, 56 and 100 days after labeling) to analyze the decline in 13C over time, and their composition signature of 13C were analyzed by the isotope ratio mass spectrometer technique. Results: We found a significantly greater decline in assimilated 13C of shoot and living root for the heavily grazed swards compared to other stocking rates, with the highest relocation rate of 13C into soil C pool compared to other fractions. In addition, light grazing significantly allocated 13C assimilates in the belowground pool compared to other stocking rates, especially in the live root and topsoil C-pools. Conclusions: In this study, the effects of grazing on the carbon transfers and stocks within the plant-soil system of the meadow steppe were highly grazing pressure dependent. Plant-soil system in light stocking rate presented the highest C utilization efficiency, however, plants allocated more C to soil C pools with heavily stocking rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Understanding the effects of livestock grazing on the ecosystem biomass and soil nitrogen processes of grassland ecosystems is critical to improving knowledge on the mechanisms underlying grassland degradation and accurately assessing the influence of grazing management on grassland functions. Methods: We examined the interannual patterns of ecosystem biomass and soil nitrogen mineralization in response to cattle grazing in a Chinese meadow steppe. The soil core incubation method was employed for soil N transfer estimation, whilst the fumigation extraction method, a modified Baermann funnel method and harvest method were used for various measurements of ecosystem biomass parameters. Results: We found that cattle grazing caused consistent significant increases in soil temperature, irrespective of the stocking rate and year, whereas significant effects on soil moisture and edaphic properties were observed only in individual years and/or at specific stocking rates. Consistent positive effects at moderate stocking rates were observed for aboveground net primary production and soil nematode biomass in all study years. The across stocking rate pattern of N mineralization in response to cattle stocking appeared to be year-specific, although negative effects were found in most cases. In contrast, the interannual pattern of N mineralization was determined principally by the interannual patterns in precipitation and soil moisture and was much less affected by cattle grazing. Conclusions: Soil N mineralization in this meadow steppe was affected by cattle grazing via two major mechanisms, i.e., its effects on the aboveground net primary production (ANPP) and thus the quantity of plant litter input into the soil and its effects on soil temperature and moisture. Overall, our study spanned the longest consecutive years with the broadest range of stocking rates thus far of its kind, which revealed for the first time that the soil nitrogen mineralization pattern with respect to stocking rate was year-specific. Our findings have important implications for adaptive management and sustainable utilization of Chinese grasslands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation practices that involve leaving mulch on the soil are known to increase soil fertility. However, mulch is an important source of feed for ruminant livestock. Accordingly, the trade-offs between mulching and stubble uptake by livestock are currently hot topics in the research field. In this study, a comparison between the quality of stubbles of wheat grown in no-tillage and conventional tillage fields and the rumen fermentation characteristics of Barbarine ewes grazing in the two fields was carried out. Samples were collected four times after wheat grain harvesting. Immediately after harvest, stubble biomass was slightly higher under no-tillage than conventional tillage. The ewes displayed different grazing behavior, with feeding at a higher rate on the conservative stubble than the conventional stubble. This feeding behavior seemed to be an adaptive strategy to offset the decline in the nutritional quality of stubbles from no-tillage-grown wheat. Indeed, dry matter, protein, fiber, and ash contents were lower in stubbles from no-tillage than conventional tillage at the second sampling time. Consequently, the concentration of the volatile fatty acid, propionic acid, was lower in ewes grazing in the conservative plots. However, this feeding behavior did not cause any body weight impairment during the two-month experimental period. At the end of grazing, the no-tillage practice was found to be comparable to the conventional tillage system according to the amount of residue remaining on the soil surface. Therefore, no-tillage could not be used to solve the competition between crops and livestock for residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]