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FOR 536 P4: Impact of grazing intensity of sheep on biomass availability, feed intake, feed quality and animal productivity in Inner Mongolian steppe
Project
Project code: DFG FOR 536
Contract period: 01.01.2004
- 01.01.2016
Purpose of research: Basic research
In Inner Mongolia, severe overgrazing by sheep leads to reduced grassland and animal productivity, affects soil conditions and availability of water and nutrients, and leads to deterioration of grassland. The optimum grazing intensity is not constant, but depends on soil, plant, and animal factors, that are interrelated. Sub-project P4 aims to identify the optimum grazing intensity of sheep within different grazing systems. Therefore, grazing experiments are conducted throughout the grazing season and feed intake, digestibility of ingested feed, daily live weight gain are measured. Methodology was developed and needs to be further validated. Results of 2005 showed a decrease in feed intake, digestibility and live weight gain per animal with increasing grazing intensity. However, live weight gain per area did not decrease with grazing intensity in the first season. Therefore, grazing experiments should be continued to determine the long-term effects of grazing intensities within grazing systems. Measurements are extended with grazing behaviour and physical activity to further explore the dynamic, two-way interaction between sward and animal, and to determine energy available for animal growth. In close cooperation with other subprojects, the optimum grazing intensity and sensitivity parameters for overgrazing are defined by analysing and weighing soil, plant, and animal factors. A grazing animal model will be developed to explore the balance between sward and animal characteristics and the dynamic sward–animal interaction of grazing sheep in Inner Mongolia.
Section overview
Subjects
- Crop Production
- Animal nutrition
