Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 30 of 65
Full-Text Articles in Plant Sciences
Grazing Effects On Soil Seed Banks: A Global Synthesis, Shi Yafei
Grazing Effects On Soil Seed Banks: A Global Synthesis, Shi Yafei
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Livestock grazing is a major disturbance affecting plant diversity and abundance in terrestrial ecosystems. The intermediate disturbance hypothesis (IDH) predicts that moderate-intensity grazing should produce the highest species diversity, while the Milchunas-Sala-Lauenroth (MSL) model posits that the IDH is valid only for mesic areas. However, it remains unclear how grazing affects soil seed bank and whether or not the IDH or MSL models are valid for soil seed bank communities. Here, we presented a global meta-analysis synthesizing 483 observations: we found that grazing had a negative effect on soil seed bank abundance, but did not alter seed bank richness. Further …
Grazing Effects On Soil Seed Banks: A Global Synthesis, Shi Yafei
Grazing Effects On Soil Seed Banks: A Global Synthesis, Shi Yafei
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Livestock grazing is a major disturbance affecting plant diversity and abundance in terrestrial ecosystems. The intermediate disturbance hypothesis (IDH) predicts that moderate-intensity grazing should produce the highest species diversity, while the Milchunas-Sala-Lauenroth (MSL) model posits that the IDH is valid only for mesic areas. However, it remains unclear how grazing affects soil seed bank and whether or not the IDH or MSL models are valid for soil seed bank communities. Here, we presented a global meta-analysis synthesizing 483 observations: we found that grazing had a negative effect on soil seed bank abundance, but did not alter seed bank richness. Further …
Mechanisms Of Ecosystem Carbon Exchange In Response To Grazing Rates In Two Hydrologically Contrasting Growing Seasons In A Desert Steppe, Y. X. Jin, D. S. Tian, Q. Wu, Y. H. Wang, G. D. Han
Mechanisms Of Ecosystem Carbon Exchange In Response To Grazing Rates In Two Hydrologically Contrasting Growing Seasons In A Desert Steppe, Y. X. Jin, D. S. Tian, Q. Wu, Y. H. Wang, G. D. Han
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Chronic grazing affects grassland soil processes and plant community composition, which may create novel patterns of net ecosystem carbon exchange (NEE) under the mediation of precipitation. Here, we report results from a 14-year field manipulative experiment with four stocking rates in a Stipa breviflora desert steppe in northern China. Ecosystem carbon exchange as well as plant aboveground biomass and composition were measured in the two growing seasons (including a wet and dry growing season). Our results showed a significant interannual variation in CO2 fluxes, heavy grazing significantly reduced NEE regardless of precipitation. Grazing-induced changes in NEE were largely attributable …
Grazing Cover Crops For Soil Health In An Integrated Crop-Livestock System, Forrest E. Davis, J. Brett Rushing
Grazing Cover Crops For Soil Health In An Integrated Crop-Livestock System, Forrest E. Davis, J. Brett Rushing
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
. Optimizing soil health requires building an environment that creates conditions which allow for best function of the chemical, biological, and physical properties of the soil to thrive as an organism and an ecosystem. Integrated crop-livestock systems (ICLS) use a systems approach to provide improvements to soil health parameters. In the fall of 2021, a randomized complete block study was conducted at the Coastal Plain Branch Experiment Station (CPBES) in Newton, Mississippi and at the Prairie Research Unit (PRU) in Prairie, Mississippi to observe the soil health effects of grazing cereal rye cover crops in a soybean production system. Three …
Modelling Basal Area Of Perennial Grasses In Australian Semi-Arid Wooded Grasslands, S. G. Marsden, K. C. Hodgkinson
Modelling Basal Area Of Perennial Grasses In Australian Semi-Arid Wooded Grasslands, S. G. Marsden, K. C. Hodgkinson
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
In many semi-arid pastoral systems, landscape processes easily become dysfunctional. Shifts to less functional states may be irreversible, and have long-term consequences for pastoral profitability and social viability of rural communities. Typically, shifts to lower functional states involve a decline in perennial grasses (Hodgkinson, 1994). Here we develop a conceptual basis for modelling the basal area of perennial grasses in a semi-arid grassland and validate the model using data from a 10-year grazing study.
Native Grasses Seeded Into A Cool-Season Pasture Encouraged By Low Resource Availability, J. E. Doll, R. L. Cates, R. D. Jackson
Native Grasses Seeded Into A Cool-Season Pasture Encouraged By Low Resource Availability, J. E. Doll, R. L. Cates, R. D. Jackson
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Native prairie of the Upper Midwest, which was dominated by warm-season (C4) grasses, now exists as relatively small relict and restored patches (Curtis 1959). Re-introduction of natives into grazed agroecosystems would promote genetic, species, and landscape diversity. Extensive re-introduction of C4 grasses will require a shift away from the paradigm of maximizing production because C4 grasses have higher C:N ratios than C3 grasses rendering them inferior forage species. Nonetheless, there is great interest amongst the grazing community of the Upper Midwest in establishing native grasses as a means of improving wildlife habitat and increasing belowground …
Floristic Composition And Species Richness Model In Winter Rangelands Of Northeastern Iran, Anahita Rashtian, Mansour Mesdaghi
Floristic Composition And Species Richness Model In Winter Rangelands Of Northeastern Iran, Anahita Rashtian, Mansour Mesdaghi
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Due to the variable annual rainfall, the plant communities of rangelands in northeastern of Iran are fluctuating and the productivity is highly variable. This ecosystem covers about 500,000 ha and is one of the important winter ranges in Iran. In this fluctuating ecosystem, species diversity and floristic composition are changing annually (Pabot, 1967). Under heavy grazing most of the range species were extinct, but under light and moderate grazing, species richness was improved, fitting with the humped-back model (Wilkinson, 1999). The objectives of this research were 1) to determine floristic composition in three vegetation types and 2) to show the …
Long-Term Trends Of Community Structures In Tall Grassland Vegetation Under Three Treatments In Northeastern Japan, M. Tsutsumi, S. Sakanoue, S. Takahashi, Y. Yamamoto, Y. Saito, S. Itano
Long-Term Trends Of Community Structures In Tall Grassland Vegetation Under Three Treatments In Northeastern Japan, M. Tsutsumi, S. Sakanoue, S. Takahashi, Y. Yamamoto, Y. Saito, S. Itano
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
In order to acquire fundamental knowledge on sustainable use and conservation of grasslands in an Asian monsoon climate, we have investigated since 1982 the vegetation of typical Japanese tall-grass, Miscanthus sinensis (Japanese plume-grass) dominant grassland. Three treatments, cattle-grazing, cutting and abandoning were carried out at the study site. We report the results of this research here, in particular focusing on the analysis of the changes in community structure and the influence of different utilization.
The Effect Of Grazing On Rare And Common Grasses And Forbs In The Mediterranean Coastal Desert Of Egypt, A. El-Keblawy, A. Ramadan
The Effect Of Grazing On Rare And Common Grasses And Forbs In The Mediterranean Coastal Desert Of Egypt, A. El-Keblawy, A. Ramadan
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Large parts of the rangelands in the Arab countries are either overgrazed or gradually deteriorating due to large numbers of livestock and unrestricted grazing (Assaeed, 1997). Protection of vegetation against grazing in desert environments has been suggested as a feasible approach to halting land degradation and rehabilitating rangelands (El-Keblawy, 2003). However, little is known about the response of different plant life forms and life cycles to grazing. The objectives of this study were to address this point and to test the response of rare and common forbs and grasses to protection against grazing.
Lapwing And Redshank Nesting Sites On Coastal Marshes: Does Sward Structure Matter?, D. Durant, Muriel Tichit, E. Kernéïs
Lapwing And Redshank Nesting Sites On Coastal Marshes: Does Sward Structure Matter?, D. Durant, Muriel Tichit, E. Kernéïs
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Grazing is central to the debate on wildlife conservation. Agricultural grasslands are the main breeding areas for many waders and grazing is very important in grassland use by these species. Waders, groundnesting birds, are very sensitive to sward structure for nesting (Milsom et al., 2000). As a marsh has different grazing regimes, all fields are not equally suitable for waders. This study evaluated the factors affecting lapwing and redshank selection of nesting sites. Also, the hypothesis was tested that sward structure (mean grass height, frequency of tussocks) is an important factor affecting this selection.
Management Of Grasslands Used By Waders: Integrating Time And Key Spatial Scales Of Grazing Processes, M. Tichit, D. Durant, O. Renault, E. Kernéïs
Management Of Grasslands Used By Waders: Integrating Time And Key Spatial Scales Of Grazing Processes, M. Tichit, D. Durant, O. Renault, E. Kernéïs
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Agriculture has many functions. Mainly through agri-environment schemes, farmers are asked to manage grasslands of special value to conserve biodiversity. Assessment of grazing as an ecological factor of variation of grassland characteristics is needed to understand how grazing contributes to grassland management for species conservation. Several wader species use wet grasslands preferentially for nesting and foraging. Like many ground-nesting birds, they are very sensitive to the sward structure (see Durant et al., this congress).
Influence Of P Fertility And Grazing On Plant Species In A Temperate Australian Pasture, Jacqueline O. Hill, R. J. Simpson, A. D. Moore, J. T. Wood, D. F. Chapman
Influence Of P Fertility And Grazing On Plant Species In A Temperate Australian Pasture, Jacqueline O. Hill, R. J. Simpson, A. D. Moore, J. T. Wood, D. F. Chapman
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Graziers in temperate Australia are increasing their use of P fertiliser so they can run more stock and maintain profitability. However, intensification changes grassland botanical composition and perennial grass cover can be reduced. Perennial grasses are important because they improve production stability, reduce deep drainage and slow the rate of soil acidification. This study examined how P fertility and grazing affected the botanical composition of pasture based on Phalaris aquatica, a key perennial grass in south-eastern Australia.
Abiotic Resource Efficiency Of Grassland Production Systems In North-West Europe, M. Wachendorf, F. Taube
Abiotic Resource Efficiency Of Grassland Production Systems In North-West Europe, M. Wachendorf, F. Taube
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Nitrate leaching and energy efficiency are key criteria of a resource efficient grassland production system. A four-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of N input and defoliation system on both criteria. The objective of this experiment was to develop strategies which help to facilitate future grassland production with maximum environmental friendliness.
Productivity Of A Leucaena Leucocephala-Cynodon Nlemfuensis Silvopastoral System With Sheep In Yucatan, Mexico, J. G. Escobedo-Mex, L. Ramirez-Aviles
Productivity Of A Leucaena Leucocephala-Cynodon Nlemfuensis Silvopastoral System With Sheep In Yucatan, Mexico, J. G. Escobedo-Mex, L. Ramirez-Aviles
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Animal production in the tropics of Mexico is based on grazed grasslands of low productivity; this type of production system has reduced the areas of natural vegetation and damaged the ecology (erosion of flora, fauna and soil). Silvopastoral technologies may improve the welfare and economic conditions of the rural population and, consequently, preserve their natural resources. The current work was designed to assess the introduction of Leucaena leucocephala in a silvopastoral system with Cynodon nlemfuensis (star grass) grazed by sheep.
Rotational Grazing Demonstration With Beef Cattle On Conservation Reserve Land In Adams County, Iowa, Usa, S. K. Barnhart, B. Peterson, C. O. Nelson, R. Bredahl, J. Klein, R. Sprague
Rotational Grazing Demonstration With Beef Cattle On Conservation Reserve Land In Adams County, Iowa, Usa, S. K. Barnhart, B. Peterson, C. O. Nelson, R. Bredahl, J. Klein, R. Sprague
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
The United States Dept. of Agriculture's Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a voluntary program available to agricultural producers who will enroll erosive, marginally productive cropland for a 10 to 15 year period. In return, participants are provided annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish and maintain long- term, resource-conserving vegetative cover to improve the quality of water, control soil erosion, and enhance wildlife habitat. Since the inception of the CRP, policymakers, conservationists, farmers, and rural residents have been concerned about the likely fate of program land after the contracts expire. Most of the existing research, whether it relies on …
Using Abandoned Paddy Fields For Grazing In Northern Japan, M. Nashiki, H. Narita, Y. Higashiyama
Using Abandoned Paddy Fields For Grazing In Northern Japan, M. Nashiki, H. Narita, Y. Higashiyama
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
The number of abandoned paddy fields is increasing in Japan, because the government has been regulating rice production. It has been recommended that the abandoned paddy fields be used for stock raising. However, there is sometimes a lack of information about the land on the abandoned paddy fields and farmers want to know the cost of fencing and the best grass species to use. This paper seeks to provide farmers with information on how to begin to use the abandoned paddy fields as pastures in hilly rural areas in Japan.
Spatio-Temporal Scales Of Animal Grazing In Herding Systems, Hossein Barani
Spatio-Temporal Scales Of Animal Grazing In Herding Systems, Hossein Barani
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
A holistic approach is needed for natural resources management and this demands understanding of the role of all the components in a system. Animal grazing is one of the most important processes in rangeland ecosystems. In rangeland utilisation in Iran, the human herder is crucial in achieving sound management. This study focused on the role of the human as a grazier (herder).
Statistical Precision Of A Replicated Farm Grazing Trial Versus Replicated Paddock Trials, K. P. Vogel, L. E. Moser, D. E. Bauer
Statistical Precision Of A Replicated Farm Grazing Trial Versus Replicated Paddock Trials, K. P. Vogel, L. E. Moser, D. E. Bauer
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
The experimental unit for animal average daily gain (ADG) and gain/ha in grazing trials is the paddock. Grazing trials on research stations often are conducted using small paddocks because animal and land costs restrict the number of treatments, replicates, and animals per paddock. Land and animal restrictions can be reduced by conducting trials on farms using animals provided by cooperating farmers. Farmers typically want only a single replicate on their farms and as result, virtually all on-farm trials in the USA and elsewhere have been un-replicated demonstration trials from which estimates of experimental error cannot be obtained. Farms can be …
Near Infrared Spectroscopy Of Faeces To Predict Diet Quality In Grazing Animals: Development Of A Portable System, D. R. Tolleson, J. W. Stuth
Near Infrared Spectroscopy Of Faeces To Predict Diet Quality In Grazing Animals: Development Of A Portable System, D. R. Tolleson, J. W. Stuth
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Faecal near infrared spectroscopy (FNIRS) has been used to predict dietary crude protein (CP) and digestible organic matter (DOM) in grazing animals (Stuth et al., 2003, Coates 2000). Development of robust FNIRS calibrations can be time consuming and costly, thus hindering the application of FNIRS in developing countries. Delivery of samples to central laboratory facilities is dependant upon adequate transportation infrastructure. A "take the laboratory to the samples" approach is being tested in Mongolia using a portable FNIRS laboratory (Stuth et al,. 2004). The initial step in this process is to duplicate the performance of a static laboratory …
Compilation Of A Database Of Research Information On Legume Based Grazing Systems; A Part Of The Leggraze Research Project, J. J. Rochon, G. Molle, A. Hopkins, J. M. Greef
Compilation Of A Database Of Research Information On Legume Based Grazing Systems; A Part Of The Leggraze Research Project, J. J. Rochon, G. Molle, A. Hopkins, J. M. Greef
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
The establishment of a publicly accessible web-resident database of published and current European research on agronomy, animal production and environmental impact of legume based grazing systems is reported. This database facilitates the sharing of information among the partners of the "Low input animal production based on forage legumes for grazing systems" (Leggraze), a research project funded by the UE (QL K5 CT-2001-02328). It also forms an important tool for transferring the results of the project to the wider research community and to end users in the agricultural sector and to policy makers at national and community level.
A Farmer Friendly Feed Budget Calculator For Grazing Management Decisions In Winter And Spring, M. Curnow, M. W. Hyder
A Farmer Friendly Feed Budget Calculator For Grazing Management Decisions In Winter And Spring, M. Curnow, M. W. Hyder
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
The Western Australian (WA) environment is Mediterranean with annual legume/grass pastures and a 6 month growing season. In autumn where over grazing can impact pasture establishment and in spring, prior to senescence, when under grazing can mean significant losses of efficiency are crucial times for grazing management. Pasture utilisation is typically low (25-35%) due to conservative stocking regimes; key to increasing productivity is increasing pasture utilisation (Grimm, 1998). Increased level of productivity require farmer sophistication in the way they feed budget. To this end, satellite technology is being used to provide farmers in southern Australia with weekly estimates of pasture …
Grassland Monitoring System For Sustainable Utilisation In Inner Mongolia, China. 3. The Estimation Of Herbage Intake Of Sheep During Grazing The Natural Grassland, H. Yokota, K. Kawamura, T. Akiyama, M. Inoue, M. Kondo, K. Kita, Y. Wang
Grassland Monitoring System For Sustainable Utilisation In Inner Mongolia, China. 3. The Estimation Of Herbage Intake Of Sheep During Grazing The Natural Grassland, H. Yokota, K. Kawamura, T. Akiyama, M. Inoue, M. Kondo, K. Kita, Y. Wang
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Grassland condition depends on a balance between growth rates of grasses and herbage intake by animals. In the previous two reports the general concept was described of the monitoring system using satellite data, GPS and GIS and real-time monitoring of grass biomass and quality and animal behaviour. This paper reports the estimation of herbage intake by sheep which had been raised by a farmer in the Inner Mongolia steppe under a typical grazing system with no supplement feeds except salt and also estimation of the growth rate of young sheep.
Impact Of Grazing Regimes On Mean Sward Height: Implications For The Management Of Bird Habitats In Agricultural Landscapes, M. Tichit, D. Durant, E. Kernéïs
Impact Of Grazing Regimes On Mean Sward Height: Implications For The Management Of Bird Habitats In Agricultural Landscapes, M. Tichit, D. Durant, E. Kernéïs
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Grazing in wet grasslands is a key process to manage foraging and nesting habitats for waders. Grazing has positive and negative effects related to the importance of sward conditions for these species and to nest-trampling by cattle. For settlement and nesting, lapwings need a short sward ( ≤ 10cm; see Durant et al., this congress). However, when lapwings settle in early spring, grasslands seldom are grazed yet, due to low soil carrying capacity. We studied the effect of autumn and winter grazing regimes on sward structure in early spring, and the effect of grazing regime in early spring on …
The Influence Of Local Immigration And Extinction Of Species On Spatial Heterogeneity Of Vegetation In Semi-Natural Grasslands In Japan, Taisuke Yasuda, Masae Shiyomi, T. Egawa, K. Sei, R. Ishikawa, S. Takahashi
The Influence Of Local Immigration And Extinction Of Species On Spatial Heterogeneity Of Vegetation In Semi-Natural Grasslands In Japan, Taisuke Yasuda, Masae Shiyomi, T. Egawa, K. Sei, R. Ishikawa, S. Takahashi
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Spatiotemporal variation in the local immigration and extinction of species in a community may form and change the spatial heterogeneity (SH) of vegetation but few studies have evaluated the influences of these processes on SH. SH often occurs in grassland grazed by cattle and sheep. Understanding the formation and dynamics of SH is important because SH profoundly affects local and regional ecological processes. We propose a new way to quantify the effect of the local immigration and extinction of species on SH, and try to clarify the influence of the processes on SH
Methane Production By Cattle Grazed At Two Stocking Rates On A Semi-Natural Grassland, Cesar S. Pinares-Patiño, Y. Rochette, M. Fabre, J.-P. Jouany, C. Martin
Methane Production By Cattle Grazed At Two Stocking Rates On A Semi-Natural Grassland, Cesar S. Pinares-Patiño, Y. Rochette, M. Fabre, J.-P. Jouany, C. Martin
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Global warming induced by the human-enhanced concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere is a major environmental concern of our day. Enteric methane (CH4) is the most important GHG associated with grazing livestock. The emissions of methane may be influenced by environmental conditions and grazing management. Stocking rate (SR), the number of animals per unit of land area, remains the simplest management tool in pastoral farming. However, little is known about the influence of SR on CH4 emission. The objective of this study was to compare the CH4 emissions from cattle managed under low and …
Effects Of Livestock Grazing On The Shrub Vegetation Biomass In The ‘Sierra De Guara’ Natural Park (Spain), J. L. Riedel, I. Casasús, A. García, A. Sanz, M. Blanco, R. Revilla, A. Bernués
Effects Of Livestock Grazing On The Shrub Vegetation Biomass In The ‘Sierra De Guara’ Natural Park (Spain), J. L. Riedel, I. Casasús, A. García, A. Sanz, M. Blanco, R. Revilla, A. Bernués
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
The 'Sierra de Guara' Natural Park (80.7 Kha) is a Mediterranean mountain area in Huesca, south of the Spanish Pyrenees. Shrub and forest pastures dominate the Park. They are grazed mainly by sheep, but also by suckler cattle and goats. Average stocking rate is 0.15 LU/ha. As in other European mountain areas, agricultural activities have declined during the last few decades. This has caused a process of secondary vegetation succession towards shrub invasion, with consequent landscape changes. This study aimed to quantify the effect of grazing on shrub vegetation biomass.
Productivity And Grazing Capacity Of Five Typical Natural Rangelands For Yaks In The Alpine Region Of China, Xuebing Yan, Yuxia Guo, Z. He, W. Kun
Productivity And Grazing Capacity Of Five Typical Natural Rangelands For Yaks In The Alpine Region Of China, Xuebing Yan, Yuxia Guo, Z. He, W. Kun
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
The Qinghai-Tibet plateau has greatly aroused the interest of scientists as an uncommon rangeland resource of great agro-ecological importance. Yak (Bos grunniens) is a unique, vulnerable ungulate. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the productivity and feed value of five natural rangelands.
Sward Composition, Forage Yield, And Grazing Effects In Kura Clover And Grass Mixtures, Peter Jeranyama, Richard Leep, Tim Dietz, D. Min
Sward Composition, Forage Yield, And Grazing Effects In Kura Clover And Grass Mixtures, Peter Jeranyama, Richard Leep, Tim Dietz, D. Min
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Rotational stocking on mixed pastures of cool season grasses (C3) and kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum Bieb.) can be a sustainable way to reduce cattle feed costs. Kura clover is a long-lived rhizomatous perennial legume of good forage quality under grazing. However, the suitability of diverse grass species in binary mixtures with kura clover has not been reported extensively. This experiment aimed to evaluate sward composition, forage dry matter yield, and post-grazing residue in mixed kura clover and C3 grass pastures.
Sheep Grazing During Drought Collapses The Perennial Grass Resource In Australian Semiarid Wooded Grasslands, K. C. Hodgkinson, S. G. Marsden, W. J. Muller
Sheep Grazing During Drought Collapses The Perennial Grass Resource In Australian Semiarid Wooded Grasslands, K. C. Hodgkinson, S. G. Marsden, W. J. Muller
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Grazing of sheep in arid grasslands is risky; sudden shifts to lower functional states may occur when the ecosystem is stressed (Scheffer et al., 2001). To avoid the stresses that shift states, easy-to-recognise critical thresholds need to be identified (Westoby et al., 1989). Preliminary analysis of perennial grass survival in a drought indicated a critical threshold based on co-occurrence of drought and grazing. Crossing this threshold collapses grass populations (Hodgkinson, 1994). Here we examine the relationships between basal area change and rainfall and grazing levels based on a 10-year period and propose a management guideline.
Intake, Digestibility And Rate Of Passage Of Grass In Grazing By Light Breed Horses On Different Pastures, Masahito Kawai, N. Yabu, T. Asa, K. Deguchi, S. Matsuoka
Intake, Digestibility And Rate Of Passage Of Grass In Grazing By Light Breed Horses On Different Pastures, Masahito Kawai, N. Yabu, T. Asa, K. Deguchi, S. Matsuoka
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
In a previous study, grazing light breed horses could ingest CP and DE requirements for maintenance without supplements. However, their grazing behaviour, such as biting and chewing efficiency, which related to the passage rate of forage in the digestive tract and fibre digestibility, was affected by the pasture conditions (Kawai et al., 2004). In this study, the DM intake, digestibility and mean retention time (MRT) of grass in light breed horses were determined and compared in spring, summer and autumn on an improved pasture.