REPRODUCTION PERFORMANCE OF BEEF CATTLE BEFORE AND AFTER IMPLEMENTING A SUSTAINABLE GRAZING SYSTEM IN A SEMI-ARID GRASSLAND OF SOUTHERN AFRICA.

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From: South African Journal of Agricultural Extension(Vol. 48, Issue 1)
Publisher: Sabinet Online
Document Type: Article
Length: 3,913 words
Lexile Measure: 1510L

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Abstract :

The semi-arid grasslands of South Africa are a major resource for beeffarming. However, the reproduction performance of beef cattle is not optimal, and it is stressed differently by the different agriculture sectors due to various management systems. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of sustainable rangeland management on the reproduction of beef cattle and rangeland health. Data on calving rates, weaning weight (205 days), and rangeland condition over a period of five years was sampled, beginning with no rangeland management in year one, comparing the results with the next four years after implementing sustainable rangeland management, utilising the same herd of cattle. Results showed a significant increase in calving rates from the first year of rangeland management (+ 27%), with a 50% increase in year four. Weaning weight also increased significantly (P Keywords: Beef production, Calving rate, Economic implications, Rangeland management
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Gale Document Number: GALE|A666966905