Short Duration Grazing at the Texas Experimental Range: Effects On Forage Quality

Abstract

Variation in percent crude protein (% CP) of available forage was examined at the Texas Experimental Ranch as a function of grazing treatment, plant species, physiological age of plant tissue, and season. Results indicate that % CP content varied as much as function of physiological age of plant tissue as a function of plant species. Although quantity of crude protein of total standing crop averaged significantly more in an ungrazed treatment than in a short duration grazing treatment, % CP was generally greater in the grazed than the ungrazed treatment. It is suggested that an increase in quality of forage may be a primary mechanism facilitating energy flow through short duration grazing systems whereby dramatic increases in livestock carrying capacity may be realized.