Source: Kanneganti, V.R., R.P. Walgenbach, L.J. Massingill. 1998. Daily and seasonal forage availability under rotational grazing of a mixed-species temperate pasture. J. Sust. Agric. 12(2/3):49-66.

Intensive rotational grazing is an emerging agricultural innovation that is gaining popularity because of its sustainability. The practice reflects sustainability in three ways: economics, social constructs, and ecology. Rotational grazing can reduce the amount of arable land needed to produce animal products while utilizing and benefitting land unsuitable for tillage. Furthermore, arable land can be preserved, restored, and enhanced, via a fallow period, which involves planting of perennial forages followed by well managed grazing. Overall welfare of production animals is improved, positively impacting performance (in terms of milk yield, growth, etc.). Machinery and feed costs are reduced, aiding in profitability. In addition, keeping the ground covered with perennial pasture is an asset to soil quality and preservation. The soil is more effectively preserved because perennial cover protects the soil from the erosive forces of wind, water, and slope. Soil quality is generally enhanced because of the increase in biodiversity, which leads to greater soil organism activity. In addition leguminous forages provide bioavailable nitrogen to the soil environment. The present study examined the productivity of pastures in terms of dry matter yield, forage quality, and persistence of forage species. The authors conducted the study in order to obtain quantifiable, baseline information on the productivity of a typical pasture under intensive rotational grazing. The nutritional value of the forage was also obtained from these pastures. This information should allow for more accurate, productive, and economic pasture supplementation programs for maximum productivity. This would enhance profitability by increasing productivity and decreasing costs through less over-supplementation and under-supplementation. In 1994, the pasture yielded 8580 kg DM/ha, and in 1995, the pasture yielded 6460 kg DM/ha. The lower amount of pasture produced and consumed in 1995 reflects the inadequate rainfall for that year. The pasture's nutritional qualities averaged 22% crude protein, 45% neutral detergent fiber, and 24% acid detergent fiber. In comparison, forage cut at ground level and preserved had 35% lower crude protein and 15% and 18% more fiber, both indicating lower quality. Finally, the authors concluded that pasture species composition, though fluctuating transiently in response to various stresses, remains stable on a year to year basis.

Abstract author: Anthony W. Arend, 21 October 2000.

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