Abstract
Grazing is an important management tool for maintaining healthy ecosystems and improving rangelands productivity. However, its effectiveness for this purpose is dependent on timing and frequency of grazing, as well as the type of animal. Understanding the effects of grazing management on rangeland ecosystems is critical in ensuring sustainable use of grazing resources and enhanced livestock production. This study assessed the effects of holistic grazing on animal productivity and range use pattern in Laikipia County of Kenya. The results revealed that the average milk yields (106 ± 20.1) of animals in holistic grazing areas (HGA) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those in traditional grazing areas (TGA) (101 ± 20.1).Weight gain of animals in HGA was significantly (0.13 ± 0.01) higher as compared to those in TGA (0.07 ± 0.01). The number of livestock grazing was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in HGA (74 ± 10 %) than those in TGA (57 ± 10 %). In addition, the number of wildlife grazing was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in HGA (74 ± 18 %) than in TGA (32 ± 18 %). The results indicate that holistic grazing management has the potential to improve animal performance, as well as condition of range areas as evident in the preference shown by frequent visits to HGA by both livestock and wildlife.
Highlights
In Kenya, rangelands cover over 80 % of the land surface
Time spent and distance traveled by goats and sheep in holistic and traditional grazing areas Distance traveled, time spent, and livestock movement tracks in holistic and traditional grazing areas are presented in Figs. 4, 5, 6, and 7, respectively
Time spent and distance traveled by goats and sheep in holistic and traditional grazing areas Goats and sheep spent more time in holistic grazing areas (HGA) as compared to TGA
Summary
In Kenya, rangelands cover over 80 % of the land surface They are mainly utilized for livestock production and wildlife conservation (Ottichilo et al 2000; Odadi et al 2011) and support livelihoods of many rural communities (Eriksen and Watson 2009). Overgrazing, mainly attributed to restricted herd mobility due to conversion of rangelands to other land uses, leads to reduction of palatable herbaceous plant species and increase of the unpalatable ones (Smet and Ward 2006) that constitutes a form of range degradation.
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