Grassland Management and Grazing Practices

18 Questions

What is the primary purpose of liming and reseeding in rough mountain/hill grazing?

To improve the soil's difficult-to-cultivate conditions

Which of the following is a characteristic of leys?

Temporary grasslands with variable botanical composition

What is the unit of measurement for grazing needs?

Livestock Units (LU)

What is the primary purpose of wilting in silage production?

To reduce the moisture content of the grass

Which of the following is a factor that affects the quality of silage production?

pH, DM%, and DMD%

What is the primary purpose of hay production?

To inhibit microbial activity

What are the three main phases of grass growth, and how does growth slow down in the final phase?

The three main phases of grass growth are Vegetative, Elongation, and Reproduction. Growth slows down in the reproductive phase as the plant's energy is focused on seed production.

What is the significance of palatability in grassland management, and how does it affect grazing?

Palatability refers to the measure of grass taste, and it affects grazing preference and intake. Grass with higher palatability is more likely to be consumed by livestock.

What is the difference between dry matter and dry matter digestibility, and how do they impact livestock nutrition?

Dry matter refers to the remaining matter after water removal in food, while dry matter digestibility refers to the proportion of dry matter digested by animals. Higher dry matter digestibility means better nutritional value for livestock.

What are the main factors to consider when selecting a suitable seed for grassland establishment, and why are they important?

The main factors to consider when selecting a suitable seed include the grazing needs, climate, and soil type. These factors are important because they affect the productivity and persistence of the grass.

What are the benefits of using different grazing methods, and how do they impact grassland management?

Different grazing methods, such as paddock grazing and strip grazing, offer benefits such as improved grass productivity, reduced soil erosion, and increased livestock performance. They impact grassland management by allowing for more efficient use of resources and reduced environmental degradation.

What is the significance of silage production, and how does it differ from hay production?

Silage production involves fermentation of grass for preservation, while hay production involves dehydration of grass. Silage production allows for a higher moisture content, making it a suitable option for high-yielding grasses.

What is the primary benefit of improving permanent grassland on peaty soil through liming and reseeding?

It increases the productivity and palatability of the grass, making it more suitable for grazing.

How does the reproductive phase of grass growth affect its quality and availability for grazing?

In the reproductive phase, grass growth slows down, and the nutritional value of the grass decreases, making it less suitable for grazing.

What is the significance of dry matter digestibility in livestock nutrition, and how does it relate to dry matter intake?

Dry matter digestibility is crucial for livestock nutrition as it affects the amount of nutrients absorbed by the animal. It is related to dry matter intake, as a higher DMD% means more nutrients are available for absorption.

What is the main difference between silage production and hay production, and how do these differences impact grassland management?

Silage production involves fermentation, while hay production involves dehydration. This difference affects the quality and nutritional value of the preserved grass, and the choice of method depends on the specific grazing needs and goals.

How does the selection of seed type impact grassland establishment, and what are some common seed options for different grazing needs?

Seed selection affects the quality and productivity of the grass, and different seed types (e.g. Perennial RyeGrass, Italian RyeGrass, White Clover) are suitable for different grazing needs and goals.

What is the main advantage of using different grazing methods, and how do they impact grassland management and productivity?

Different grazing methods (e.g. paddock grazing, strip grazing) offer flexibility and adaptability in managing grasslands, allowing for more efficient use of resources and improved productivity.

Study Notes