Grass species selection patterns on rotationally‐grazed Dohne Sourveld during autumn and early winter

Abstract

Herbaceous species preference was studied during autumn and winter periods of occupation, on rotationally‐grazed Dohne Sourveld, at four different stocking rates. Only the most abundant grass species in the sward were monitored. Animals (cattle and sheep) grazed selectively (for plant species) during both autumn and winter, but the degree of selectivity increased in winter. Although animals could be forced to graze less selectively by increasing the stocking rate in autumn, stocking rate did not affect the sequence of species selection, but merely accelerated the process. Regrazing of tillers during grazing periods was a common occurrence in all but the heavy stocking rate treatment. Although Tristachya leucothrix was the most preferred species, the amount (mass) of this species that was grazed per unit basal tuft area was less than that of Themeda triandra.