Preliminary results of a stocking rate trial in Lesotho

Abstract

Forage responses to stocking rates and seasons were determined over a one-year period. The experimental design consisted of three stocking rates namely, light (2.0ha LSU^-1), moderate (1.25ha LSU^-1) and heavy (0.5ha LSU^-1) and four seasons (autumn, winter, spring and summer) combined factorially in a Randomised Complete Block Design with three replicates per treatment. Data collected included aboveground available phytomass production, botanical composition and crude protein content.


Total aboveground available phytomass production of forages at the end of the study period was significantly (P<0.05) lower in the heavy stocking rate than in the moderate and light stocking rates. Season significantly (P<0.05) reduced crude protein (CP) from 5.6% CP in summer and 7.8% CP in autumn to 4.2% CP in winter and 4.3% CP in spring. It is concluded that season exerted greater impact on sward productivity than stocking rate.


Keywords: aboveground available phytomass; crude protein; seasonal variation; species composition


Abbreviation: LSU = Large Stock Unit


African Journal of Range & Forage Science 2002, 19(1): 63-69