An existing model describing the influence of Aeacia karroo density on forage production, animal production and profitability is reviewed and amended to introduce recent research results. The refined model predicts that maximum forage production can be attained at 1 220 tree equivalents (TE) per ha, maximum livemass production at 1 320 TE per ha and maximum gross margin at 1 000 TE per ha. This compares with 850, 2 600 and 1 620 TE per ha, respectively, in the original model. The original model thus over?estimated the potential for livestock production by approximately 51 % and generally presented an over?optimistic view of the potential of bush utilization. Its direct application could result in overstocking by as much as 67 %. An algorithm is developed as a field guide for determining optimal long?term stocking rates of grazers and browsers.
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.