The influence of urine and dung deposition on patch grazing patterns of cattle and sheep in the Southern Tall Grassveld |
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| Authors: | BU Lütge GP Hatch MB Hardy |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Grassland Science , University of Natal , Private Bag XOl, Scottsville, 3209, Republic of South Africa;2. KwaZulu‐Natal Department of Agriculture , Cedara College of Agriculture , Private Bag X9509, Pietermaritzburg, 3200, Republic of South Africa;3. Department of Grassland Science , University of Natal , Private Bag XOl, Scottsville, 3209, Republic of South Africa;4. KwaZulu‐Natal Department of Agriculture , Cedara Agricultural Development Institute , Private Bag X9509, Pietermaritzburg, 3200, Republic of South Africa |
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| Abstract: | Abstract The effect of urine and dung deposition on the patch grazing patterns of cattle and sheep in the Southern Tall Grassveld was investigated using an experiment with four treatments, viz. artificial urine, fresh cattle dung, fresh sheep dung, and a control. Cattle and sheep preferentially grazed the sward surrounding and within urine deposits for six months after deposition. Cattle rejected herbage from both cattle and sheep dung patches for six months after deposition. Sheep initially rejected the herbage from cattle dung patches, but their grazing patterns were no longer affected at six months after deposition. Sheep grazing tended not to be influenced by sheep dung. Urine deposition may consequently be an important factor in patch initiation and patch development. |
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| Keywords: | Grazing frequency grazing intensity |
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