Pasture Rotation System Research Articles

An application for mobile devices as a decision support for the treatment and prevention of bovine fasciolosis - A survey among organic dairy farms in Bavaria

Based on health applications used in human medicine for the self-management of chronic diseases, the aim of this study was to evaluate a mobile app in veterinary medicine using the example of a decision-making aid for the control and prevention of bovine fasciolosis on dairy cattle farms. The study was carried out on 37 organic dairy cattle farms in Bavaria. The farms were divided into two groups: one group received a mobile app (n=17) as a decision-making aid, while the other group received a printed brochure (n=20) with identical content. At the beginning of the study, all participants were questioned by telephone concerning their farm, among other things. After using the respective tool, the participants were again interviewed by telephone. At the beginning of the study, the majority of participants were aware of the options for drainage (n=28; 75.7%) and fencing off wet areas (n=36; 97.3%). 37.8% (n=14) stated that they were familiar with a pasture rotation system. After using the respective aid, the majority of participants described the tool as helpful (94.1% app; 80% brochure). Many participants (app group: n=10 (58.8%); brochure group: n=16 (80%)) stated that they wanted to change their approach based on the new knowledge gained, e. g. introducing a pasture rotation system (app group: n=9 (52.9%); brochure group: n=13 (65.0%)). Both study groups enjoyed working with the tool they used. They viewed the knowledge imparted by the mobile app or brochure as helpful and useful. Most participants expressed a desire to continue using these tools in animal health management on farms in the future. The use of tools such as mobile apps may improve veterinary advice, e. g. in the management of parasitoses in cattle herds.

Effective modes of using improved hayfields and pastures in the pasture rotation system

Effective modes of using improved hayfields and pastures in the pasture rotation system

Silvopasture in the USA: A systematic review of natural resource professional and producer-reported benefits, challenges, and management activities

Silvopasture is the deliberate integration of trees, forage, and grazing livestock on the same piece of land. These agroecosystems are intensively managed for multiple benefits, providing both short- and long-term income. Research suggests that silvopasture systems can increase systemwide productivity, while providing multiple ecosystem services. Due to these benefits, silvopasture adoption is increasing across the United States of America (USA), as described in regional case studies exploring silvopasture adoption. However, most of these case studies have a limited sample size, making it difficult to assess broader trends that help or hinder silvopasture adoption. To address this issue, we conducted a systematic review of silvopasture adoption studies in the USA. Our key objectives were to understand the primary benefits and challenges reported by producers using silvopasture, assess how satisfied producers are with their silvopasture systems, and understand how agricultural and natural resource professionals view silvopasture management. In total, 53 studies from 1983 to 2021 related to silvopasture adoption were included. When analyzed collectively, diversification of farm income and shade for livestock were the primary benefits of implementing silvopasture. This was similar to benefits reported from international studies that were compared. Regarding challenges, lack of information was identified as a primary concern by producers. Producers reported using a wide range of livestock that included cattle, goats, sheep, chickens, turkeys, horses, bison, pigs, geese, and ducks. Results indicate that producers almost exclusively use some form of rotational or management intensive grazing in their silvopasture systems, with 98% using one of these practices. Furthermore, 96% of producers reported using silvopasture in combination with paddocks in open pasture, suggesting that silvopastures are primarily used as a complementary component of their pasture rotation system. Silvopasture retention was also found to be high across studies, with 88% of producers indicating they would continue the practice into the future. With increasing interest to diversify agricultural management under the uncertainty of a changing climate and the need for agricultural landscapes to sequester more carbon, silvopasture may be an effective strategy for some livestock operators to diversify farm income, enhance animal productivity and wellbeing, and increase ecosystem resilience.

Spatial distribution of Brazilian bovine taurine breeds associated with climatic, physical and socioeconomic variables

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the spatial distribution of purebred Bos taurus taurus bovine breeds raised in Brazil in association with climatic, physical and socioeconomic variables. The breeds Aberdeen Angus, Ayrshire, Braford, Brangus, Charolais, Devon, Flemish, Hereford, Pinzgauer, Shorthorn and Simental were classified according to their aptitude (milk, meat or dual-purpose). They were spatialized according to their aptitude using state and municipal information. The milk breeds were found in the states of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, while the dual-purpose breeds were found in Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul states and the beef breeds were concentrated in the southern region. Only the Aberdeen Angus meat breed showed higher dispersion in other regions. Meat and dual-purpose breeds tended to be raised in regions with lower maximum temperature, average temperature, thermal amplitude and temperature-humidity index. Dual-purpose breeds were found in municipalities with high humidity and altitude, but with a low gross domestic product, little technical guidance received from cooperatives and the government, low control of diseases and parasites, as well as low use of pasture rotation systems. The spatial distribution of Brazilian bovine taurine breeds, regardless of aptitude, was related to climatic, physical and socioeconomic factors.

Effects of long-term grazed crop and pasture systems under no-till on organic matter fractions and selected quality parameters of soil in the Overberg, South Africa

There is limited soil research on semi-arid, grazed no-till crop and pasture systems. The long-term (10 years) effect of three grazed no-till dryland crop and pasture rotation systems, and perennial lucerne pasture were assessed on soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stocks, soil organic matter functional pools and selected soil quality parameters in the Overberg, South Africa. The largest soil C and N stocks (0–30 cm) were found in crop–pasture systems containing wheat and medic/clover (70.2–74.9 Mg C ha−1 and 8.3–8.4 Mg N ha−1), compared with perennial lucerne pasture (63.4 Mg C ha−1 and 7.7 Mg N ha−1) or cropping-only systems (54.7–58.9 Mg C ha−1 and 6.3–6.7 Mg N ha−1). Significantly higher labile C and N (free particulate organic matter fraction) contents were observed in crop–pasture systems (1.37–1.74 g C kg−1 and 0.107–0.110 g N kg−1) than in continuous cropping systems (0.9–1.0 g C kg−1 and 0.042–0.045 g N kg−1), attributed to higher annual C and N inputs and lower extent of soil disturbance. Significant positive correlations were found between soil C and N functional pools and soil quality parameters (soil respiration, effective cation exchange capacity and aggregate stability) and wheat yields. The results show the importance of the medic/clover pasture and wheat rotations in enhancing soil quality in the Overberg region.

Resistance of gastrointestinal nematodes to five different active principles in sheep infected naturally in São Paulo State, Brazil

This study evaluated the efficacy of commercially available anthelmintic drugs by calculating the percent reduction of eggs per gram (EPGR%) and appropriate statistical tests. A total of 350 animals selected from five commercial sheep farms was divided in seven groups with 10 animals each: Group 1 - control, Group 2 - Albendazole (5 mg/kg); Group 3 - Levamisole hydrochloride (5 mg/kg); Group 4 - Ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg); Group 5 - Moxidectin (0.2 mg/kg); and Group 6 - Closantel (10 mg/kg); Group 7 - Ivermectin + Levamisole + Albendazole (200 mcg/kg Ivermectin, 7.5 mg/kg Levamisole and 5 mg/kg Albendazole). EPG percent reduction was determined between day zero and day 10 after treatment had started and compared between groups. It was observed that, practically, almost all the tested drugs had some level of parasitic resistance while Moxidectin was the most effective during treatment. The results show that more sustainable procedures such as pasture rotation system, plant‑based products, certain fungi and earthworms need to be adopted to reduce parasitism and anthelmintic resistance in ovine herds.

Composition of late summer diet by semi-domesticated reindeer in different grazing conditions in northernmost Finland

This study aims to investigate the diet composition of semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) in late summer in different kinds of grazing conditions in northernmost Finland. The composition of diet by reindeer was determined on the grounds of microhistological analysis of feces samples collected in early August in different seasonal grazing areas (winter or summer/year-round grazing areas) in three reindeer management districts. Although the proportion of different plant groups varied between the studied districts, the quantified group of ground lichens (which also contained small amounts of mushrooms) was the most abundant, varying from 33.0 to 46.4% in the analyzed samples. In general, there were significant differences in the proportions of lichen between districts, but not between grazing areas. The proportion of lichen in samples increased significantly when the amount of lichen pasture around a sample site increased. The proportion of dwarf shrubs and leaves in samples varied from 24.9 to 37.9% and differed significantly between districts, but not between grazing areas. In the same way, the proportion of graminoids varied between 20.9 and 36.2% and differed significantly between districts and also between grazing areas. Higher amounts of graminoids in feces were observed in summer/year-round grazing areas than in winter grazing areas. Finally, the proportion of bryophytes varied between 2.9 and 6.5% and was significantly different between districts, but not between grazing areas. An increase in old and mature coniferous forest around a sample site significantly increased the amounts of bryophytes in samples. The results indicate that reindeer adapt their summer diet composition according to the availability of food plants. The results also show that when reindeer are allowed to select their summer ranges freely, reindeer tend to use lichen pastures intensively also during summer, which causes a considerable reduction in lichens due to grazing and trampling. Therefore, a proper seasonal pasture rotation system to protect lichen pastures from grazing and trampling, from early spring to late autumn, is an essential part of sustainable pasture use in reindeer herding.

Effect of silicate fertilization on soil and on palisade grass plants under grazing intensities

Application of calcium silicate (SiCa) as soil acidity corrective was evaluated in a Rhodic Hapludox soil with palisade grass conducted under pasture rotation system with different grazing intensities. Experimental design was complete randomized blocks with four grazing intensities - grazing intensities were imposed by forage supply (50, 100, 150 and 200 kg t-1 of DM per LW) - in experimental plots with four replicates and, in the subplots, with seven doses of calcium silicate combined with lime: 0+0, 2+0, 4+0, 6+0, 2+4, 4+2 and 0+6 t ha-1, respectively. In the soil, it was evaluated the effect of four levels of calcium silicate (0, 2, 4 and 6 t ha-1) at 45, 90, and 365 days at three depths (0-10, 10-20 and 20-40 cm) and at 365 days, it was included one level of lime (6 t ha-1). For determination of leaf chemical composition and silicate content in the soil, four levels of calcium silicate (0, 2, 4 and 6 t ha-1) were evaluated at 45 and 365 days and at 45 days only for leaf silicate, whereas for dry matter production, all corrective treatments applied were evaluated in evaluation seasons. Application of calcium silicate was positive for soil chemical traits related to acidity correction (pH(CaCl2), Ca, Mg, K, H+Al and V), but the limestone promoted better results at 365 days. Leaf mineral contents were not influenced by application of calcium silicate, but there was an increase on silicate contents in leaves and in the soil. Dry matter yield and chemical composition of palisade grass improved with the application of correctives.

Seasonal grazing effects by semi-domesticated reindeer on subarctic mountain birch forests

In northern Fennoscandia, the spatial and temporal grazing practices of semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) vary, which implies different grazing effects dependent on natural conditions as well as management regime (i.e., timing and intensity of grazing). We compared density and biomass of main plant groups in semi-dry mountain birch forests exposed to either long-term summer or winter grazing in three reindeer herding districts in the northernmost Finland. Percent plant cover, height, and biomass of reindeer lichens (Cladonia spp.) and dwarf shrubs (Vaccinium uliginosum, Calluna vulgaris, and Betula nana) were lower on summer ranges compared with winter ranges. The biomass of other dwarf shrubs (Vaccinium myrtillus and V. vitis-idaea), and graminoids and herbs, and the % cover of non-vegetated bare soil and litter were, however, higher on summer ranges than on winter ranges. Young mountain birch shoots (Betula pubescens ssp. czerepanovii) were less frequent on summer ranges than on winter ranges. The total leaf biomass under the browsing height of reindeer (<1.5 m) was also lower on summer ranges compared with winter ranges. Especially in drier and nutrient poor mountain birch forests, intensive summer grazing reduces the quantity of lichens and total plant biomass which affects the ecological state and productivity of these forests and also reduces especially their winter grazing value for reindeer. Therefore, in addition to regulating the maximum sustained numbers of reindeer, pasture rotation systems that effectively protect dry and nutrient poor vegetation from summer grazing and trampling should be encouraged.

Simulating plant productivity under different organic fertilization practices in a maize/native pasture rotation system in semi-arid NE Brazil

Subsistence agriculture systems in semi-arid regions need to adapt management to rainfall variability within the constraints of low-cost alternatives. Organic fertilization is generally the best possible option to maintain soil fertility as the use of chemical fertilizers is unfeasible due to the high cost and risks of drought and crop failure. However, the effectiveness of organic fertilization will vary according to the quality and rate of organic fertilizer application, rainfall scenarios and decomposition patterns. Simulation models can be used for a quick evaluation of management strategies in many possible scenarios. In this paper a newly developed model (SALSA: Semi-Arid Latin-america Simulation model for Agroecosystems), was used to simulate, along a 3-year period, plant productivity and soil fertility in a maize/native pasture rotation system in semi-arid NE Brazil. The model simulated reasonably well the observed maize productivity in the experimental plots during the 3 years of the study, even under contrasting rainfall conditions and application of organic fertilizers of different qualities (animal manure or Gliricidia sepium prunings). However, model simulations of native pasture biomass productivity did not adequately represent seasonal and fertilizer responses, in part probably due to the seasonal variability of the pasture species composition. The model showed that the effectiveness of organic fertilization depended upon rainfall with largest response in years with intermediate precipitation, and lower responses in wet and dry years. High nitrogen leaching and cloudiness reduced fertilizer use efficiency in wet years even at high rates of fertilizer application (20 t ha −1). Fertilization with G. sepium did not increase aboveground maize productivity compared with animal manure, even though it contained twice the amount of labile fraction. This lack of crop responses to a more labile fertilizer is explained by the large fraction of nitrogen that is leached to deep soil which reduced nitrogen availability in the volume of the soil with the largest amount of crop roots. Management strategies that reduce nitrogen leaching or favor pumping nitrogen from deeper layers (agroforestry) would benefit productivity in this system. The SALSA model proved to have potential as a useful tool to help decisions needed to increase organic fertilization efficiency in NE Brazil even though the base information is scarce compared with modern agriculture.

Integrating Free-Range Hens into a Wheat Stubble

Some grain farmers, market gardeners and graziers integrate hens into their farming system in Australia. In this system, hens move freely around the farm except that they are usually locked in sheds at night for protection from predators. Consumers pay a premium for eggs due to enhanced welfare of hens in a free-range system. The purpose of this experiment was to compare the impact of hens vs. sheep when integrated into a wheat stubble in a crop and pasture rotation system. The stubble availability, weeds and soil fertility were measured before and after grazing. Laying hens stocked at 110/ha (compared to the sheep stocking density of 12/ha) were allowed to forage on the wheat stubble. The performance of the free-range hens was excellent with production averaging 90%. Free-range hens were heavier than Hyline standard (2.09 vs. 1.99 kg) at week 33. Hens foraged extensively in the wheat stubble over the foraging period from January to May. Generally, paddocks foraged by hens had more stubble remaining compared to paddocks grazed by sheep. Hens preferred rye seeds, while sheep preferred other grass, wire weed, medic pods and other broad leaf weeds. There was no effect of grazing on soil pH with this low stocking density of both sheep and hens but soil nitrate levels were higher (6.69 vs. 39.90 mg/L for sheep and 7.80 vs. 32.98 mg/L for hens) after grazing, suggesting that animal droppings were contributing to the increase. This trial indicates that integrating hens into crop and pasture rotation system could assist in weed control and increase soil fertility.

Integrating Poultry into a Crop and Pasture Farming System

Small scale operations in which poultry forage freely around farms is widespread on rura l properties. In Australia grain farmers, market gardeners and graziers integrate poultry into their farming system. In this system, birds are unrestricted in their movements except that they are usually locked in sheds at night for protection from predators. Consumers pay a premium for eggs and chicken meat on the grounds of enhanced welfare of birds in this system. Eggs are perceived as having superior taste and nutritional properties. The purpose of this experiment was to determine the impact of poultry integrated into a pasture and crop rotation system. The pasture availability, insects, weeds and soil fertility were measured before and after grazing by poultry. Sheep were used as a comparison in the experiment. Laying hens stocked at 110/ha (compared to sheep-stocking density 12/ha) were allowed to forage a medic pasture in a crop and pasture rotation system during summer in a Mediterranean environment. The egg production of layers (Hyline Brown) in the free-range system was lower than the standard performance expected in a cage system. Rate of lay from 18-40 weeks was 79% vs 93% (cage standard). The mortality of free-range birds was higher than the cage standard (9.1 vs 1.2%). The reduction of performance of birds relative to the standard was expected considering the heat wave conditions experienced during the experiment. Sheep were very effective in grazing the wire seed, which contaminated the paddocks whereas poultry avoided this weed. In contrast, the number of unidentified weeds in the sheep paddocks was greater than the poultry paddock. This raises the possibility that sheep and poultry could be grazed together in some circumstances, to provide a method for reducing weed build up. Sheep could be used to graze out weeds they prefer and poultry to consume weed seeds and insects that sheep avoid. Soil fertility was not different between the sheep and poultry paddocks. The yield of wheat from poultry paddocks in the subsequent crop was 1.25 tonne/ha versus 1.43 tonnes/ha from sheep paddocks.

Simulation of rotational grazing to evaluate integrated pest management strategies for Boophilus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) in Venezuela

Ranchers in Venezuela historically have controlled the cattle-fever tick, Boophilus microplus (Canestrini), with acaricide treatments of cattle but no technical planning. We developed a simulation model to evaluate cattle-tick population dynamics in systematic pasture rotation systems and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches to managing ticks in the tropical dry-forest ecological zone of Venezuela. Model output showed five generations of cattle-ticks produced each year throughout the dry and rainy seasons that occur in this zone. Sensitivity analyses showed disproportionately large changes in on-host B. microplus populations in response to small changes in larval mortality rates, such as those resulting from differences in the innate resistance of cattle to tick parasitism. Simulation results with 1–6 pasture systems suggest that adjusting the graze:rest sequence with systematic rotation among 4–6 pastures could suppress, but not eradicate, tick populations.

Transmission dynamics of helminth parasites of pigs on continuous pasture: Oesophagostomum dentatum and Hyostrongylus rubidus

An increase in alternative outdoor pig production systems is occuring in Denmark, and this study was designed to elucidate the transmission patterns of Oesophagostomum dentatum and Hyostrongylus rubidus in pigs allowed to graze continuously on a pasture. A group of pigs was turned out in May 1993 (Year 1 of the study) and subsequently inoculated with low numbers of both helminths. These pigs were followed parasitologically until October by serial necropsy and sampling of faeces, grass and soil. A non-inoculated group of pigs was similarly followed on the same pasture in Year 2 (1994). Pasture infectivity was measured using helminth-naïve tracer pigs during all seasons. The pasture vegetation was rapidly destroyed by the pigs, resulting in a dirt lot by the autumn of Year 2. The area was soon contaminated with eggs, resulting in heavy pasture infectivity and increasing worm burdens in late summer; then the numbers of larvae declined markedly. In May of Year 2, newly exposed pigs became only lightly infected (mostly O. dentatum), and no transmission was observed in July–August of Year 2, probably due to an unusually dry summer and a lack of protecting vegetation. The results indicate that both O. dentatum and H. rubidus are very sensitive to environmental factors, because significant transmission occurred only under the most favourable conditions (summer combined with protecting vegetation as in Year 1). Transmission was severely reduced during the low temperatures experienced in the winter between Years 1 and 2 and during the dry summer of Year 2, when vegetation was lacking. Continuous grazing actually reduced transmission of O. dentatum and H. rubidus because of the reduction in vegetation. This, however, is not a desirable alternative farming system, because of its adverse environmental effects. This environmental impact may be mitigated by employment of a pasture rotation system in place of continuous grazing.

Volatile Concentration and Flavor of Beef as Influenced by Diet

ABSTRACTYearling steers (48) were finished on one of three intense pasture rotation systems: (1) Tifleaf pearl millet; (2) millet with restricted grain; or (3) millet followed by grain ad libitum in the feedlot. In both 20% fat ground beef and subcutaneous fat, gamey/stale off‐flavor decreased and roasted beef flavor increased when steers were fed grain. Compounds (59) including acids, alcohols, aldehydes, diterpenoids, hydrocarbons, and lactones, were identified in the purge‐and‐trap volatiles. Lactones positively correlated with roasted beef flavor and negatively correlated with gamey/stale off‐flavor, whereas diterpenoids positively correlated with gamey/stale off‐flavor and negatively correlated with roasted beef flavor.

Effect of Management Systems on the Growth of Lambs and Development of Internal Parasitism. I. Dry Lot vs. Two Pasture Rotation Systems

Effects of three management systems, including medication, on the development of internal parasitism in lambs and on their growth were studied. The systems included dry lot confinement (Band 1), transfer of animals to a clean pasture at biweekly intervals (Band 2), and grazing of animals on contaminated pastures (Band 3). Average levels of parasitism acquired by the lambs in Bands 1, 2, and 3 were insignificant, moderate, and high, respectively. Lambs from Band 3 acquired significant infections of Haemonchus contortus by June, which continued to rise until midsummer, and heavy infections of Strongyloides papillosus in August and September. Lambs from Band 2 acquired peak moderate infections of H. contortus by midsummer and moderate to heavy infections of S. papillosus in August and September. Clinical haemonchosis in Bands 2 and 3 was not satisfactorily controlled by supplementary therapeutic dosing with N.F. grade phenothiazine. Limited evidence suggested that this may have been due, in part, to a tolerance for the drug. Circumstances did not permit a fair evaluation of copper sulfate drenches in this regard. Average daily gains of lambs in Band 1, until weaning, were significantly greater than those of lambs in Bands 2 and 3. Effect of management and parasitism on weight gains of the lambs became more pronounced in the three Bands after weaning and reached a maximum in early August. Band 3 lost weight on the average during this period. Significant differences in grease fleece weights of the exeperimental animals also were obtained when they were yearlings; the average fleece weights of these three bands were inversely proportional to the degree of parasitism observed during the previous grazing season. Internal parasitism is the most serious problem of the sheep industry in humid areas of the United States. Losses amount to several million dollars annually and deter expansion of the sheep industry in the farm states. Much of the research concerning management practices versus parasitism has been done abroad, particularly in the British Isles and Australia. A series of reports by Spedding (1954, 1955, 1956) from England indicates that proper management exclusive of anthelmintics can greatly reduce the worm burden of sheep, resulting in greater weight gains and an increase in wool production. Gibson (1956), another English worker, concluded from a 3year experiment that the following factors favored n increase in parasitism: returning the sheep to previously grazed pastures too soon, inadequate use of anthelmintics, and weather conditions favorable to larval survival. Gordon and Turner (1946) also demonstrated that rotational grazing retarded the acquisitio of parasites by sheep under Australian conditions. Since climatic conditions have a pronounced effect on the transmission of internal parasites, management research needs to be conducted in various areas on a long-term basis. Research reported in this paper constitutes 1st-year results of a long-term project at Beltsville, Maryland, involving detailed studies on the effects of various management systems, including medication, on the development of internal parasitism in lambs. Preliminary reports of this work have been given by Kates et al. (1960), Turner et al. (1960), Enzie et al. (1960), and Lindahl et al. (1961). Received for publication 6 November 1962. * Animal Husbandry Research Division, ARS, Beltsville, Maryland. t Present address: Food and Drug Administration, Beltsville, Maryland. $ Animal Disease and Parasite Research Division, ARS, Beltsville, Maryland.