Rangeland Ecology & Management

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Economically Optimal Stocking Rates: A Bioeconomic Grazing Model
Author
Ritten, J. P., C. T. Bastian, W. M. Frasier
Publication Year
1969
Body

Authors use a bioeconomic dynamic programming model building on physical relationships presented by Noy-Meir (1975), which incorporates both animal performance over time and resultant stream of discounted returns and how stocking decisions affect evolving rangeland conditions. The model also accounts for the Michaelis Constant, which can be interpreted as inversely related to animal grazing efficiency, with a lower number meaning that animal is able to achieve desired performance with less forage. This model represents a stock operation in central Wyoming and incorporates studies and figures (ie. Corn prices) from Wyoming. Optimal stocking rate decisions accounting for changes in forage availability were examined economically.

Language
en
Keywords
grazing
overgrazing
bioeconomic model
financial return
rangeland
stocking rates
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