Mixed Animal Type Grazing Research under Temperate and Semi-Arid Conditions

Abstract

Mixed animal grazing is traditionally the most commonly practised method used in commercial meat production to exploit grazing land in both temperate and semi-arid areas. The increased number of variables involved compared with mono-type animal grazing offers greater opportunities to optimize the use of grazing land. Complementary grazing behaviour patterns among different animal types improve individual animal performance and output per unit of area, in a more sustainable grazing ecosystem. They can also be exploited to reduce labour requirements, improve the spread of income and reduce the risk of environmental damage. Methodology developed for temperate conditions is also suitable for semi-arid areas. The need for further research to improve our understanding of dietary intake, dietary selection and use of space under mixed grazing, limits the exploitation of the benefits outlined, particularly in making choices of animal mixes to suit differences in vegetation botanical composition, nutrient density and their geographical distribution. The need for inclusion of the socioeconomic component in extension programmes is emphasized.