Proceedings
A 2.4 ha area dominated by creosotebush (Larrea tridentata) was enclosed with an eight-wire electric fence and randomly divided into six 0.4 ha plots for treatment: (1) control, (2) N-fertilization (40 kg actual N/ha), (3) 0.56 kg of active prometone per ha, (4) shredding with brush-hog type mower, (5) shredding plus N-fertilization, and (6) prometone plus N-fertilization. The area was stocked with twelve 2 year old Angora wethers for 140 days. Eight similar Angora wethers were maintained on ad libitum alfalfa hay in a feed pen. Aerial shrub cover, basal cover and composition of herbaceous plants were measured at the beginning and end of the grazing period. Total aerial shrub cover was reduced an average of 36 percent between October and March across all treatments. Shrub reduction was greater on treatments receiving N-fertilization. Creosotebush aerial cover was reduced 33 percent, but only 57 percent was attributable to goat feeding, the remainder was due to feeding activities of blacktailed jackrabbits (Lepus californica). Total forage disappearance between October and March was 3552 kg on the 2.4 ha pasture. Using 0.75 kg/day intake, goats would consume only one third of the total forage which disappeared. Part of the remainder could possibly be accounted for by trampling and wind breakage. Goats on the creosotebush area lost an average of 3.8 kg during the grazing period while those on alfalfa hay gained an average of 7.3 kg. Hair production averaged 1.9 kg per goat for those grazing and 3.8 kg per goat for those on alfalfa hay
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | biblioteca |
| Published: |
Scottsdale, AZ (EUA)
1982
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| Subjects: | CAPRINOS, CONTROL DE MALEZAS, CONSUMO DE FORRAJES, PASTOREO, ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA, |
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