Daily Behavioral Grazing Patterns of Beef Cattle: continuous stocking grazing vs. strip grazing managed by Virtual Fencing

ABSTRACT Testing animal performance under grazing is fundamental to determine the potential of recently released, high‐yielding Urochloa decumbens hybrids. The objective was to evaluate the weight gain of young bulls grazing on pastures of U. decumbens cultivars Basilisk, BRS Carinás, and BRS Poraitê, as well as to assess the nutritive value and plant‐part composition of the forage. The experiment was conducted over 2 years in a clay soil, using a randomized block design with three replicates. Pastures were managed under continuous stocking with a variable stocking rate (SR), aiming to maintain a canopy height of 25 cm. In contrast to the leaf blade and stem, the amount of dead material increased from the rainy to the early dry season, with Basilisk showing a greater mean value (1314 kg DM/ha), followed by Poraitê (1150 kg DM/ha) and Carinás (1127 kg DM/ha) ( p < 0.10). Carinás and Poraitê had slightly greater crude protein (CP) (114 g/kg) compared to Basilisk (105 g/kg), particularly during the first year. Animals grazing Carinás had greater average daily gain (ADG) (0.62 kg LW) compared to Poraitê (0.54 kg LW), and similar performance to Basilisk (0.59 kg LW). In terms of live weight gain per area (GA), Carinás outperformed the other cultivars, reaching 406 kg LW/ha/year, compared to 359 and 358 kg LW/ha/year for Basilisk and Poraitê, respectively, due to the greater ADG and the increased SR observed during the rainy season. Carinás and Poraitê have potential for promoting cattle growth, owing to their comparable forage quality and plant‐part composition to Basilisk. However, the superior live weight gain per area observed for Carinás demonstrates its greater carrying capacity, without compromising individual animal performance.

We hypothesize that increasing N application rates will affect N use efficiency (NUE) for lambs grazing warm‐season annual grasses. We evaluated the effect of N fertilizer application rates (50, 100, 200, and 400 kg N/ha) on forage pearl millet ( Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.) and animal responses: N balance and NUE per animal and per area basis. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replicates over a 70‐day grazing period. Pastures were grazed under continuous stocking using variable stocking rate (SR) to keep pasture sward height at 30 cm across treatments. Nitrogen application rate did not affect ( p > 0.05) animal ADG (g/day) and his N balance but increased ( p < 0.01) forage production resulting in an increase in SR from 850 to 1560 kg live weight (LW)/ha. This also resulted in an increase of N excretion ( p < 0.01; 55–124 kg N/ha), particularly via urine (34 to 91 kg N/ha). Animal NUE (kg LW gain/kg of N applied) decreased with increasing N application rates. These results demonstrate that the major impacts of N application occur on pasture growth and its ability to support greater SR, which increases N deposition via excreta.

ABSTRACT This study evaluated forage mass, nutritional value, forage intake, animal performance and economic indicators in Urochloa decumbens pastures under monoculture and a silvopastoral system (SPS) with Mimosa caesalpiniifolia (Benth.). The treatments were arranged in a randomised block design with three replications, and the experiment was conducted from 2020 to 2022 in Garanhuns, Brazil. We are using crossbred Holstein × Zebu calves under continuous stocking with variable stocking rate. No significant differences were detected in forage nutritional value or animal performance between systems. However, forage intake was higher in the SPS (3.29 vs. 2.54 kg DM animal −1 day −1 ), and during the rainy season SPS pastures showed greater crude protein concentration (127 vs. 94 g kg −1 DM). The highest average daily gain (0.52 kg animal −1 day −1 ) and stocking rate (1.51 AU ha −1 ) occurred during the first grazing season. Beef production did not differ statistically between systems (9 vs. 12 @ ha −1 year −1 ), but the presence of M. caesalpiniifolia enhanced economic performance in the SPS. Timber revenue compensated for lower meat yield, resulting in higher net profit (US$ 933.5 vs. US$ 642.9 ha −1 year −1 ) compared with monoculture. The equivalent annual net present value (US$ 192.8 ha −1 year −1 ) further confirmed the economic viability of tree‐based livestock production. Therefore, although both systems produced similar forage mass, nutritive value and animal performance, the integration of woody legumes increased forage intake and improved profitability, highlighting silvopastoral systems as an efficient strategy for livestock production with additional revenue diversification.

The use of plant growth simulation models, such as the Agricultural Crop Simulator (AgS), can support planning and management decisions in pasture-based animal production systems. AgS is a biophysical model that is being developed to focus on crops relevant to the Brazilian economy. Originally, the model was parameterized for Marandu palisadegrass (Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu) under continuous stocking method and cutting regimes. The objective of this study was to parametrize and evaluate the performance of AgS in simulating Marandu palisadegrass biomass production under rotational stocking methods. Field data from an experiment assessing pre-grazing heights of Marandu palisadegrass grazed by beef cattle was used to evaluate the model. The simulations initially underestimated leaf and total biomass production, regardless of pre-grazing height. These results suggested that differences between cutting and grazing methods make additional model calibration necessary. Differences related to regrowth of leaves were addressed and the new calibration resulted in higher biomass allocation to leaves and stems, reducing the mean error in the 25 cm treatment from −1.001 to −253 kg ha−1 and the rRMSE from 41% to 34%. AgS showed potential for simulating rotational stocking after adjustments were made, and future calibrations should consider different management and environmental conditions.

ABSTRACT Stocking methods have been shown to impact pasture canopy traits and herbage accumulation, but meaningful comparisons across methods require equivalent canopy conditions. This study assessed the effects of two mean canopy heights (20 and 30 cm) and three stocking methods (continuous stocking, CS; rotational stocking with lenient defoliation, RSL; and rotational stocking with moderate defoliation, RSM) on herbage mass (HM), herbage accumulation rate (HAR) and canopy structural characteristics of ‘Mulato II’ brachiariagrass ( Urochloa spp. syn. Brachiaria spp.) across two summer growing seasons in Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. Under CS, pastures were maintained at heights of 20 and 30 cm (±10% height variation). For RSL, it involved a ±20% height variation (33% defoliation intensity), while RSM had a ±30% height variation (approximately 47% defoliation intensity). The HAR averaged 97 kg DM ha −1 day −1 and did not differ across treatments. The HM was 32% greater at 30 cm than at 20 cm (7430 vs. 5640 kg DM ha −1 , respectively) but did not vary among stocking methods (6540 kg DM ha −1 ). The RSM required longer rest periods between grazings (36–58 days for heights of 20–30 cm, respectively) than RSL. At 20 cm, tiller population density was 12% greater than at 30 cm, although individual tillers were smaller (0.50 vs. 0.76 g DM tiller −1 ), as was the leaf area index (4.6 vs. 5.8). Despite similar HAR across treatments, canopy height was the main driver of structural responses. Managing Mulato II at 20 cm promotes an efficient canopy structure and rapid tissue turnover, making it the most favourable option under CS while still allowing flexibility across stocking methods.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation levels on the ingestive behavior of Nellore cattle raised on Uroclhoa Brizantha cv, Marandu pastures during the dry season under continuous stocking. Thirty-six Nellore bulls (body weight = 325 kg; age = 20 months) were blocked by body weight after 16 hours of fasting from solids and liquids and distributed into 12 paddocks of 1 hectare each (3 animals/paddock) to evaluate the following treatments: MS: animals supplemented only with mineral salt ad libitum; PS: animals receiving protein supplement offered at 1 g/kg BW (400 g crude protein/kg); and PES: animals receiving protein-energy supplement offered at 3 g/kg BW (300 g crude protein/kg). All animals were supplemented daily at 9:00 AM. The experimental period lasted 132 days and was divided into adaptation periods (-20 to -1) and evaluation periods (days 0 to 112). The ingestive behavior of all animals was evaluated from 6:00 AM on day 20 to 6:00 AM on day 21 (24 hours of evaluation), each 10 minutes. The time each animal remained idle, ruminating, at the trough and grazing was evaluated, in addition, the percentage of animals grazing throughout the day was analyzed. Data were analyzed by ANOVA using PROC MIXED, SAS 9,4. The percentage of animals grazing was analyzed as repeated measures over time using SAS REPEATED. Animals supplemented with SP presented similar idle time to MS and PES animals (9,39 vs, 8,79 and 9,84 hours/day; P >0,115), but PES animals remained idle longer than MS animals (9,84 vs, 8,79 hours/day; P = 0,008). No effect of treatments was observed for time grazing, at the trough and ruminating (P > 0,161). In general, at all supplementation levels, a greater proportion of animals grazed in the morning and late afternoon; however, MS animals started grazing earlier. In summary, increasing the supplementation level up to 3 g/kg of body weight does not interfere with grazing time, but increases idle time.

Abstract Areas of the Great Plains have been experiencing a reduction in forage land base, leading to the need for more efficient stocking strategies to optimize beef production. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate heifer performance when managed under continuous season-long stocking (CSLS) or modified intensive early stocking (MIES) conditions. Across five years, 474 heifers were utilized and subjected to either CSLS or MIES which was defined at heifers stocked at 1.6× CSLS May through July and 1× for the rest of the season. Heifer body weight and body condition score were recorded at season start (May), mid-season (July), and end (October). Heifers were examined for pregnancy via transrectal ultrasonography between 30 and 35 days following fixed-time artificial insemination (AI), and again at the end of the grazing season to assess final pregnancy status. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC), with treatment included as a fixed effect year(pasture) as a random effect. The early grazing period was defined as May through mid-July, and the late period as mid-July through October. During the early grazing period, CSLS heifers had greater average daily gain than MIES heifers (P < 0.001), with a tendency for increased average daily gain in CSLS heifers during the late grazing period (P = 0.071). Total average daily gain was also increased in CSLS heifers compared to the MIES group (P = 0.016). Body condition score did not differ between treatments throughout the grazing season. MIES heifers had greater early gain per acre than CSLS heifers (P < 0.001), with a similar effect observed during the late grazing period (P < 0.001). The proportion of heifers that conceived to first-service AI was 0.456 and 0.4567 for the CSLS and MIES, respectively. The MIES system successfully translated beef stocker efficiencies into a replacement heifer framework without compromising reproductive outcomes. Despite early-season stocking at 1.6× density, MIES heifers attained comparable first service AI conception rates, body weights, and body condition scores to continuously stocked cohorts although the CSLS heifer did have higher total average daily gain. These findings demonstrate that MIES can increase production output per acre in semi-arid western Kansas while preserving heifer fertility, offering producers a viable strategy to improve production efficiency on diminishing rangeland resources.

Abstract A self-reported questionnaire survey conducted in October 2023 aimed to characterize pastures, nutrition programs, animal demographics, and management practices of goat farms in Arkansas. Ninety-two producers from 41 (out of 75) state counties participated in the survey. Bermuda grass was the most frequently grown warm-season grass (88% of respondents) followed by crabgrass (51%) and johnsongrass (44%). Of the cool season grasses, tall fescue, and ryegrass were the most common (57% and 49%, respectively), and white clover (72%) and red clover (40%) were the most frequently grown legumes, followed by lespedeza (33%). Rotational grazing was reported as the grazing management practice of 70% of respondents, and 41% reported continuous stocking, indicating that nearly one-third (29%) of producers use both grazing management practices. More than half of respondents supplemented hay (64%) while only 49% produced hay themselves. In addition to hay, textured commercial feeds and pellets were frequently supplemental feed (43 and 33%, respectively) while loose mineral mix and salt (89 and 39%) were the most common mineral supplements. The average herd size consisted of 17 does, and Boer was the most common breed (43% of respondents) followed by crossbred goats (36%), Nigerian dwarfs (29%), and Nubians (26%). The most common criteria for selection were health (93%), reproduction (86%), appearance (75%), maternal traits (68%), growth (62%), and milk production (59%). Natural breeding was used by 95% of respondents while artificial insemination (12%) and embryo transfer (5%) were used to a lesser extent. The culling rate of 74% of respondents was between 1–10%. Approximately one-third of producers indicated a kidding rate below 120%. Interestingly, a quarter of participants selected “I’m not sure” when asked about their kidding rate revealing a need for education on best management practices and record keeping. Kid and mature goat mortality rates were low on most farms, with 65 and 72% of the respective respondents reporting less than 5% for each stock class. Internal parasites were the most common health issue (88%), followed by foot rot/foot scald (45%), and pneumonia (33%). Accordingly, hoof care and dewormer were the most widely used husbandry practices (93 and 91%) followed by vaccination (83%). Hoof care and deworming were done on an “when needed” basis by 75 and 65% of participants, respectively. Moxidectin (75%), ivermectin (61%), and albendazole (54%) were the most widely used dewormers. Of the respondents who practiced vaccination, the CDT vaccine was used by 96% of producers, with all other vaccines being used by 20% or fewer. In conclusion, researchers and extension personnel should focus on conducting trials and providing education to producers on grazing practices, nutrition, record keeping, and health management.

Pasture management strategies to offer optimal sward structures for maximizing intake rate in continuous stocking

Abstract A self-reported questionnaire survey conducted in October 2023 aimed to understand grazing management, pastures, and supplementation practices of sheep farmers in Arkansas to direct extension and education efforts. Rotational stocking was the reported grazing management practice of 82% (54/66) of respondents while 24% (16/66) reported continuous stocking. Although these data are encouraging, reports from extension agents suggest that many producers may incorrectly classify their grazing management systems. The importance of rotational stocking and the potential misconceptions surrounding it should make it a priority topic for educators. Bermudagrass was the most frequently grown warm-season grass (90% of respondents; 60/67) followed by crabgrass (55%; 37/67) and johnsongrass (42%; 28/67). Of the cool-season grasses, tall fescue, ryegrass, and orchardgrass were the most common (63%; 41/65, 54%; 35/65, and 34%; 22/65, respectively). Of those who reported growing tall fescue, about half of the respondents (49%; 20/41) were located in the Ozark Mountains region in the northern part of the state despite participants from this region accounting for about 37% (28/68) of survey respondents. White clover was the dominant legume species reported (81%; 52/64) and red clover was grown by 45% (29/64) of respondents. Lespedeza was grown by 33% (21/64) of respondents and has been encouraged as a method for mitigating internal parasite burden. Supplementation of hay was reported by 49% (33/67) of respondents, yet 58% (39/67) did not produce hay themselves. Farms producing hay were larger on average (82 vs 54 acres) and may have greater access to hay-making equipment. Stockpiling pastures was practiced by 18% (12/66) of respondents and has been recommended by forage specialists to reduce dependence on hay and its associated costs. In addition to hay, textured commercial feeds and pellets were frequently supplemented as feed (39%; 26/67 and 19%; 13/67) while loose mineral mix and salt (93%; 62/67 and 46%; 31/67) were the most common mineral supplements. In conclusion, extension agents should prioritize education on rotational grazing and winter feed supplementation, especially in cases where stockpiling pastures can be used to reduce dependence on hay.

ABSTRACT Centipedes and millipedes promote important functions in the ecosystem. However, land use intensification in agricultural areas can reduce the abundance and diversity of these organisms. To understand the effect of grazing intensification on communities of centipedes and millipedes, we sampled these organisms in an integrated crop-livestock system (ICLS) experiment, cultivated for 13 years with soybean (Glycine max) in the summer and black oat (Avena strigosa) + Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) for cattle grazing in the winter. Treatments consisted of different grazing intensities defined by sward heights of 0.10, 0.20, 0.30, and 0.40 m under continuous stocking, and control paddocks (no grazing). We used monoliths to collect centipedes and millipedes in the 0.00-0.10 and 0.10-0.20 m soil layers, and pitfall traps to collect specimens on the soil surface. Samplings were conducted for two years at two distinct moments of the ICLS: immediately after cattle removal from the pasture in 2014 and 2015 (post-grazing), and after soybean harvest in 2015 and 2016 (post-soybean). To evaluate the composition of millipede community, an extra sampling was performed with pitfall traps in 2018 (post-grazing). A total of 498 centipedes and 217 millipedes were collected during the two methods. We observed a greater abundance of centipedes and millipedes in the post-grazing environment and at lower grazing intensities in the 0.00-0.10 m soil layer. No significant effects of sward height were observed on centipede and millipede abundance in the 0.10-0.20 m soil layer or in the sampling with pitfall traps. Millipedes of genera Catharosoma, Leptodesmus, and organisms of the Pseudonannolenidae family occur in the integrated crop-livestock system, and Rhinocricus and Catharosoma in no grazing pastures. Moderate to light grazing intensities (0.30 m sward height) promote soil centipede and millipede communities with animal and soybean production in the integrated crop-livestock system, aligning sustainable intensification to food production.

Abstract Belowground plant structures are integral to nutrient cycling in grassland ecosystems. However, relative to herbage responses, few studies have examined the belowground dynamics of warm‐season perennial forages under different management practices. This study evaluated root‐rhizome responses and decomposition dynamics of a perennial legume (rhizoma peanut [RP; Arachis glabrata Benth. ‘Ecoturf’]) under continuous stocking (Grazing) and 56‐day clipping (Haying) intervals across three 56‐day periods in 2018 and 2019. In 2019, root‐rhizome mass was greater under Haying than Grazing in two out of three periods, peaking at 14,980 kg organic matter (OM) ha−1. Conversely, root‐rhizome N concentration was lower with Haying than Grazing (12 vs. 14 g kg−1). Root‐rhizome growth rate was greater in 2018 than in 2019 (18.0 vs. 10.5 kg OM ha−1 day−1). In 2019, Grazing exhibited greater biomass (0.0013 vs. 0.0010 g g−1 day−1) and N (0.0016 vs. 0.0011 g g−1 day−1) decay rates than Haying. Root‐rhizome N pools for 2018 and 2019 averaged 159 and 192 kg N ha−1, with 86% and 93% N remaining post‐incubation, respectively. During a 56‐day period, N disappearance was 22.3 kg N ha−1 in 2018 and 13.4 kg N ha−1 in 2019, equating to 70 and 40 kg N ha−1, respectively, over the 168‐day growing season. With RP covering 30% of the pasture, root‐rhizomes contribute an estimated 12–21 kg N ha−1 per season. Root‐rhizome dynamics in RP were influenced by defoliation management, though responses varied between years.

Supplementary roughage during the dry season in forage-based systems mitigates the adverse effects of lower pasture availability and nutritional quality in forage-based milk production. This study evaluated the effects of soybean hulls as supplementary roughage on milk production, composition, and nitrogen utilization in lactating dairy cows in tropical forage-based systems during the dry season and verify the possibility of fully replacing silage with soybean hulls. Twelve multiparous Holstein-Zebu crossbred cows (453 ± 4.97kg) in mid-lactation were used in a 4 × 4 Latin Square design. The cows grazed Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu pasture with a continuous stocking rate and were subjected to four supplementation strategies: supplementation only with concentrate (Control); concentrate plus soybean hulls replacing 35% of forage intake (Soybean Hulls); concentrate plus corn silage replacing 50% of forage intake (Corn Silage); and concentrate plus sorghum silage replacing 50% of forage intake (Sorghum Silage). Soybean hulls and corn silage were the most consumed supplementary roughages (P = 0.012). Soybean hulls enhanced daily intakes of ether extract (EE) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (P < 0.05). Milk production increased with soybean hull supplementation (P < 0.001), however, did not differ to corn silage when corrected for 3.5% fat content. Milk fat and protein did not differ among treatments (P > 0.05), but lactose and total solids were higher in the soybean hull and control groups (P < 0.05). Soybean hull supplementation reduced milk urea nitrogen (MUN) compared to corn silage (P = 0.022). Overall, soybean hulls improved feed intake, milk production, and nitrogen utilization in dairy cows, supporting their use as a viable alternative to silage in forage-based tropical systems.

The pasture–animal interface of warm-season perennial grass–legume mixed pastures has never been investigated in forage-based equine systems. Therefore, this 2-year study investigated the herbage and animal responses under 84-day continuous stocking in mixed pastures of rhizoma peanut (RP, Arachis glabrata Benth) and bahiagrass (BG, Paspalum notatum Flüggé) with 30 kg nitrogen (N) ha−1 (BG-RP) compared to BG pastures fertilized with 120 kg N ha−1 (BG-N120) and no N (BG-N0). Measurements were taken every 14 days, except for intake and in vivo digestibility, which were measured every 28 days. BG-N120 had the highest stocking rate (p = 0.01; 3.7 AU ha−1) in 2019, while BG-N0 had the lowest (p = 0.01; 2.6 AU ha−1) in 2020. Crude protein and digestible energy were greatest (p &lt; 0.05) for BG-N120 and BG-RP in some of the evaluation days in 2019 but similar across pastures in 2020. Crude protein digestibility was greatest (p &lt; 0.05) for BG-RP in the late season. Intake was less (p = 0.03) for horses grazing BG-RP (3.2%BW) compared to BG-N0 (5.0%BW). Nonetheless, no differences (p &gt; 0.05) were observed among pastures for body measurements. The results indicate that BG-RP pastures can improve forage nutritive value and maintain horse body condition while maintaining similar stocking rate to monoculture bahiagrass with high N fertilizer rates.

In integrated crop-livestock systems (ICLS), pasture is intercropped with crops to provide grain for feed and forage mass for grazing. Although scientific results have shown the benefits of using ICLS instead of conventional livestock systems, few studies have investigated the best way to implement these integrated systems. The hypothesis of this study was that ICLS improves the nutritional value of forage and beef cattle performance. The aim of the study was to evaluate (1) different ways to intercrop maize and Marandu grass for pasture establishment, and (2) the effects of intercropping maize and Marandu grass on herbage mass, nutritional value and beef cattle performance. The control treatment consisting exclusively of Marandu grass pasture (livestock system, LS) was compared to four ICLS: maize plus Marandu grass sown simultaneously without herbicide (ICLS-1); maize plus Marandu grass sown simultaneously with herbicide (ICLS-2); maize plus Marandu grass in lagged sowing (ICLS-3), and maize plus Marandu grass sown simultaneously in maize rows and inter-rows with herbicide (ICLS-4). A randomised block design with five treatments and three replicates was used. The experiment was carried out in a field of 13.35 ha, divided into 15 paddocks of 0.89 ha each. The animals grazed for 370 days under continuous stocking. A put-and-take approach was used to adjust stocking rates throughout the year. Herbage mass was higher in the LS treatment than in ICLS-2 and ICLS-4 as a result of the greater accumulation of dead material. Light interception and leaf area index were higher in ICLS-4, in which Marandu grass was sown in maize rows and inter-rows, promoting better pasture establishment. Crude protein content of Marandu grass leaves was greater in the ICLS-4 treatment compared to LS and ICLS-2. Stem crude protein content was greater in ICLS-4 compared to LS, ICLS-1 and ICLS-2. The mean body weight gain was lower in the LS treatment (410 kg) compared to ICLS-2 (429 kg), ICLS-3 (437 kg) and ICLS-4 (426 kg). Intercrop maize with Marandu grass can be used for pasture establishment. The treatment ICLS-4 using maize plus Marandu grass sown simultaneously in maize rows and inter-rows with herbicide provides better pasture establishment and nutritive value.

Tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Shreb.) Dumort.; (TF)] is the primary forage species used by cow-calf producers in grazing systems in Tennessee. It is an excellent cool-season perennial grass due to its great forage mass (FM), nutritive value, and extensive growing season. Orchardgrass [Dactylis glomerata L.; (OG)] is also a widely used cool-season grass in the U.S. This study compared TF and OG cultivars under continuous stocking in terms of FM, nutritive value, and animal performance over two grazing seasons (2022 to 2023) in Spring Hill, Tennessee, U.S. Treatments were: 1) OG cv. Persist I (OG-P1), 2) OG cv. Persist II (OG-P2), 3) TF cv. Kentucky 31’ (TF-K31), and 4) a novel endophyte TF cv. Max Q (TF-NE). Forage mass was not affected by treatments (P = 0.0519), with an average of 2979 kg DM ha−1. Crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentrations were also unaffected by treatments (P = 0.6728, P = 0.1300), averaging 106 and 687 g kg–1, respectively. However, TF-NE had the lowest acid detergent fiber (ADF) (P = 0.0258; 380 g kg–1) and the greatest in vitro dry matter digestibility in 48 hours (INVDMD48) (P < 0.0001; 680 g kg–1), while OG-P2 had the greatest ADF (400 g kg–1) and the lowest INVDMD48 (661 g kg–1). Total gain and average daily gain (ADG) were affected by treatment × year interaction (P = 0.0314 and P = 0.0161, respectively). In 2022, TF-NE, TF-K31, and OG-P1 outperformed OG-P2, but no differences were observed in 2023 (total gain: 78.6 kg animal–1; ADG: 0.78 kg animal–1 day–1). Ergovaline concentrations in TF-K31 were low, which likely minimized its negative effects. These findings indicate that both TF and OG can sustain beef cattle production under continuous stocking, with TF offering potential advantages in botanical composition and forage nutritive value over time.

The objective of this study was to determine how application of dolomitic limestone and stocking methods (continuous stocking or deferred stocking) affect the soil compaction, sheep grazing location, height, and nutritional value of pastures when the pasture growth rate is at its maximum. A 4 ha field at Mitra farm—University of Évora—was divided into four plots: P1 and P2—without application of dolomitic limestone, continuous stocking (CS), and deferred stocking (DS), respectively—and P3 and P4—with application of dolomitic limestone, DS (2.3 AUE), and CS (1 AUE), respectively. In DS, animals were placed and removed from the plots depending on the height of the pasture (entry ≥ 10 cm; removal ≤ 5 cm). Throughout the pasture’s vegetative cycle, several measurements of pasture height and cut were carried out. From the beginning of March to the beginning of June, animal behavior was observed (animals’ activity grazing and location) by trained observers through binoculars on six dates. The results show the following: (i) the application of dolomitic limestone combined with CS provided higher values of pasture height; (ii) there were no significant differences in pasture quality between treatments; (iii) DS led to 50% more sheep grazing days that CS; (iv) there were no significant differences in soil compaction between CS and DS; and (v) the stocking methods and the application of dolomitic limestone did not seem to change the grazing pattern between treatments. This study constitutes a basis to support more informed decisions by agricultural managers and may also contribute to maintaining balance in the Montado ecosystem, as well as increasing the efficiency of livestock production systems based on rainfed pastures.

Background: Pasture structure directly influences the ingestive behavior and feed intake of grazing ruminants, particularly under continuous stocking systems. More heterogeneous swards, with greater variability in plant height, may increase selectivity and alter intake dynamics and feeding efficiency. Objective: To evaluate how different horizontal structures of marandu grass (Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu) pastures, maintained at an average height of 25 cm, affect feeding behavior and nutrient intake by sheep.Methods: The study was conducted from September 2019 to March 2020, using 16 crossbred sheep (Santa Inês × Dorper) allocated to eight paddocks under two treatments: 1) less heterogeneous pasture (plant height CV &lt;35%) and 2) more heterogeneous pasture (CV &gt;35%). Variables evaluated included nutrient intake, digestibility, feeding behavior (grazing, rumination, idleness, meal time, number and interval between meals, and rumination bouts), as well as forage mass, morphological composition, and chemical composition of the pasture. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA), using the F test at a 10% probability level (P&lt;0.10).Results: More heterogeneous swards promoted greater dry matter intake by grazing sheep (P&lt;0.10). However, pasture heterogeneity did not significantly affect nutrient digestibility, chemical composition of hand-plucked samples, or behavioral parameters (P&gt;0.10).Conclusion: Under continuous stocking, marandu grass pastures with higher structural heterogeneity (CV between 50.32% and 60.64%) increase dry matter intake in sheep. Although heterogeneity did not influence digestibility or quantitative aspects of behavior, animals showed more frequent grazing during the day and concentrated rumination and idleness at night under the same experimental conditions.

Multispecies pastures are an alternative to increase sustainability of pasture systems, but evaluating their botanical components is a challenge. The objective of this study was to estimate the presence of botanical components in pastures with different canopy heights through measurement of forage mass, height and frequency. The species were Aruana guineagrass (Megathyrsus maximus cv. Aruana) and three legumes: Macrotyloma axillare cv. Java; Calopogonium mucunoides; and Stylosanthes macrocephala + S. capitata, managed under continuous stocking and variable stocking with sheep. The treatments corresponded to four canopy height targets (CHTs), of 15, 30, 45, and 60 cm, in a randomized block design with four replications, totaling 16 experimental units (paddocks). The herbage mass and botanical and morphological components were measured with monthly cuts in three areas at ground level and separated into Aruana guineagrass, Legumes, Dead Material and Weeds. The canopy height was measured with a sward stick and the botanical components touched by the stick were used to calculate frequency. The herbage mass was greater in taller pastures, while the proportions of Aruana, Legumes and Weeds were similar among CHTs. The frequency of Aruana and Legumes did not differ among CHTs, and Weed frequency was highest in 15 cm pastures. The correlation between the proportion and frequency of Legumes was not significant (P=0.2809). The components’ proportions in the herbage mass, botanical components' height and frequency can be used to estimate their presence in multispecies pastures.