Effects of grazing at different stocking densities and grazing period on yield and chemical composition of herbage in the subhumid zone of Nigeria

Over a grazing period of about 14 weeks, comparisons were made between pasture improved with Stylosanthes hamata and that based on natural grassland. The grazing densities ranged from 2.11 to 4.23 TLU/ha (Tropical Livestock Unit = 250 kg liveweight). Both pastures were grazed in the previous wet sea...

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Main Authors: Iji, P.A., Tarawali, G., Umunna, N.N., Alawa, J.P.
Format: Journal Article
Language:Inglés
Published: 1996
Subjects:
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/10568/29647
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author Iji, P.A.
Tarawali, G.
Umunna, N.N.
Alawa, J.P.
author_browse Alawa, J.P.
Iji, P.A.
Tarawali, G.
Umunna, N.N.
author_facet Iji, P.A.
Tarawali, G.
Umunna, N.N.
Alawa, J.P.
author_sort Iji, P.A.
collection Repository of Agricultural Research Outputs (CGSpace)
description Over a grazing period of about 14 weeks, comparisons were made between pasture improved with Stylosanthes hamata and that based on natural grassland. The grazing densities ranged from 2.11 to 4.23 TLU/ha (Tropical Livestock Unit = 250 kg liveweight). Both pastures were grazed in the previous wet season by West African Dwarf goats at similar grazing densities. Dry matter yields varied significantly (P<0.01) by period of grazing season but not so much by grazing density. Organic matter and crude protein contents varied significantly (P<0.001) during the season and were higher (P<0.01) on improved pasture. Neutral detergent fiber content was higher (P<0.05) at the low stocking density and was also dependent on season. Calcium and phosphorus contents were similar in herbage from both pastures while magnesium content was significantly (P<0.05) higher on imporved than unimproved pastures. The standing hay at the end of wet season was low in nutrients. Biomass production and quality of pastures improved with S. hamata would be adequate for wet season grazing although phosphorus supplementation may be required.
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spelling CGSpace296472023-02-15T10:05:40Z Effects of grazing at different stocking densities and grazing period on yield and chemical composition of herbage in the subhumid zone of Nigeria Iji, P.A. Tarawali, G. Umunna, N.N. Alawa, J.P. grazing herbage crops chemical composition yields stocking density stylosanthes hamata subhumid zones Over a grazing period of about 14 weeks, comparisons were made between pasture improved with Stylosanthes hamata and that based on natural grassland. The grazing densities ranged from 2.11 to 4.23 TLU/ha (Tropical Livestock Unit = 250 kg liveweight). Both pastures were grazed in the previous wet season by West African Dwarf goats at similar grazing densities. Dry matter yields varied significantly (P<0.01) by period of grazing season but not so much by grazing density. Organic matter and crude protein contents varied significantly (P<0.001) during the season and were higher (P<0.01) on improved pasture. Neutral detergent fiber content was higher (P<0.05) at the low stocking density and was also dependent on season. Calcium and phosphorus contents were similar in herbage from both pastures while magnesium content was significantly (P<0.05) higher on imporved than unimproved pastures. The standing hay at the end of wet season was low in nutrients. Biomass production and quality of pastures improved with S. hamata would be adequate for wet season grazing although phosphorus supplementation may be required. 1996 2013-06-11T09:24:20Z 2013-06-11T09:24:20Z Journal Article https://hdl.handle.net/10568/29647 en Limited Access Thai Journal of Agricultural Science;29: 405-420
spellingShingle grazing
herbage crops
chemical composition
yields
stocking density
stylosanthes hamata
subhumid zones
Iji, P.A.
Tarawali, G.
Umunna, N.N.
Alawa, J.P.
Effects of grazing at different stocking densities and grazing period on yield and chemical composition of herbage in the subhumid zone of Nigeria
title Effects of grazing at different stocking densities and grazing period on yield and chemical composition of herbage in the subhumid zone of Nigeria
title_full Effects of grazing at different stocking densities and grazing period on yield and chemical composition of herbage in the subhumid zone of Nigeria
title_fullStr Effects of grazing at different stocking densities and grazing period on yield and chemical composition of herbage in the subhumid zone of Nigeria
title_full_unstemmed Effects of grazing at different stocking densities and grazing period on yield and chemical composition of herbage in the subhumid zone of Nigeria
title_short Effects of grazing at different stocking densities and grazing period on yield and chemical composition of herbage in the subhumid zone of Nigeria
title_sort effects of grazing at different stocking densities and grazing period on yield and chemical composition of herbage in the subhumid zone of nigeria
topic grazing
herbage crops
chemical composition
yields
stocking density
stylosanthes hamata
subhumid zones
url https://hdl.handle.net/10568/29647
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