Management and Utilization of Pineland Threeawn Range in South Florida

Abstract

Brahman-native cattle grazed cutover forest range in south Florida at the rate of 15, 22, and 36 acres per cow per year for 14 years. As the study progressed, the weight of cows increased by 10 to 45 pounds for each decrease in rate of stocking, but all cows tended to calve in alternate years. Weight, quality, and market value of calves increased with each decrease in stocking rate. Income per acre, however, was $2.50, $2.00, and $1.25 for high, medium, and low rates. When sampled 4 months after burning, pineland threeawn, the principal forage species, was most productive on range stocked at the high rate and decreased with decreased stocking. By 19 months after burning, its production was least on range stocked at the high rate and most on that stocked at the low rate. Rate of stocking did not have a significant effect on production of total herbage during either sampling period. Utilization of pineland threeawn at 4 months was 70, 60, and 51% on range stocked at the high, medium, and low rates. At 7 and 19 months, utilization estimates did not reveal a significant response to rate of stocking. Surveys indicated that no change occurred in condition of the herbaceous vegetation on range stocked at the high rate but that pineland threeawn decreased and other grasses increased on range stocked at the low rate. Shrubby vegetation including saw-palmetto, the principal shrub, increased on range stocked at both high and low rates.