Rangeland Ecology & Management

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Options For Improving Grazing Distribution In Savanna Rangelands
Author
Hunt, L.P.
Petty, S.
Cowley, R.
Fisher, A.
MacDonald, N.
Ash, A.
Publisher
The Australian Rangeland Society
Publication Year
2006
Body

Cattle distribution data from GPS collars, and spatial patterns of defoliation and pasture productivity are being used to compare the effectiveness of reducing paddock size to that of installing additional water points in large paddocks, to spread grazing pressure more evenly across the landscape. Uneven grazing distribution is a common problem in extensive savanna rangelands, causing poor overall forage utilisation, localised areas of very heavy use, and rendering many grazing management practices ineffective. Achieving more even landscape use is seen as an integral part of sustainably increasing livestock production. Early results indicate that smaller paddocks are more effective in achieving greater use of the landscape as a whole. However, within smaller paddocks, preferred areas remain the focus of much grazing activity, highlighting the need for additional ways of minimising these grazing impacts.

Language
English
Resource Type
Text
Document Type
Conference Paper
Additional Information
3 - 7 September, 2006

Renmark, South Australia

ISSN 1323 660
Conference Name
Australian Rangeland Society 14th Biennial Conference
Keywords
rangelands
grazing management
livestock production
Australia
grazing distribution