Application of utilization intensity as an experimental variable by the use of the pasture disc meter and the put?and take technique is recommended as an alternative to stocking rate experiments. Utilization intensity allows stocking rate to be used as a measure of pasture productivity and consequently the relationship between animal gain and stocking rate and the relationship between stocking rate and utilization intensity can be used to determine long term optimum utilization intensities. In addition, the relationship between veld condition score and utilization intensity could be used to determine a long term optimum utilization intensity for veld in good condition and a range of acceptable utilization intensities which will allow veld in poor condition to recover.
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.