A model, more detailed than a set of stocking rate response curves but less detailed than large process models such as SPUR, was needed to evaluate the short-term effect of grazing management practices on range herbage growth and livestock production. SMART (Simple Model to Assess Range Technology) simulates the effects of stocking rate and rotation on herbage production and steer performance. Herbage growth rate is a quadratic function of herbage biomass and is adjusted for seasonal differences. Herbage intake increases with herbage biomass and digestibility and animal weight. Animal gain increases logarithmically with digestible dry matter intake and decreases with animal weight. Output of these simulations confirms that early removal of steers from pasture in autumn will increase net returns, and that short-duration rotation grazing will produce little increase in gains or returns over those achieved under season-long grazing. Development of the SMART model revealed deficiencies in our understanding of the factors controlling herbage intake. This material was digitized as part of a cooperative project between the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries. The Journal of Range Management archives are made available by the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries. Contact lbry-journals@email.arizona.edu for further information. Migrated from OJS platform August 2020
Scholarly peer-reviewed articles published by the Society for Range Management. Access articles on a rolling-window basis from vol. 1, 1948 up to 5 years from the current year. Formerly Journal of Range Management (JRM). More recent content is available by subscription from SRM.