Tswana steers were continuously grazed at stocking rates of 3, 6, and 9 ha LSU?1 in two blocks, and steers in one block were supplemented with phosphorus. Dry matter yield of herbaceous rangeland plants was measured at the end of each growing season from 1984 to 1990 except in 1986, whilst steer livemass was measured monthly. Steers entered the trial at the beginning of the growing season and remained on the trial for three years and two groups of steers were evaluated in the study. Dry matter yield of Digitaria spp. and annual grasses showed no response to stocking rate. Panicum maximum and Eragrostis rigidior were the most responsive species, increasing with a decreased stocking rate. Phosphorus supplement was advantageous during drought periods at stocking rates higher than 9 ha LSU?1. Livemass gain increased with decreased stocking rate regardless of phosphorus supplement.
Journal articles from the Grassland Society of Southern Africa (GSSA) African Journal of Range and Forage Science as well as related articles and reports from throughout the southern African region.