Reproduction performance of beef cattle before and after implementing a sustainable grazing system in a semi-arid grassland of southern africa

Abstract

The semi-arid grasslands of South Africa are a major resource for beef farming. However, the reproduction performance of beef cattle is not optimal, and it is stressed differently by the different agriculture sectors due to various management systems. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of sustainable rangeland management on the reproduction of beef cattle and rangeland health. Data on calving rates, weaning weight (205 days), and rangeland condition over a period of five years was sampled, beginning with no rangeland management in year one, comparing the results with the next four years after implementing sustainable rangeland management, utilising the same herd of cattle. Results showed a significant increase in calving rates from the first year of rangeland management (+ 27%), with a 50% increase in year four. Weaning weight also increased significantly (P < 0.05) within the first year (+ 60 kg), with 72.8kg in year four. Rangeland conditions also started to improve in 31 of the 45 camps. The financial implication with respect to weaner calf income was also calculated with striking differences within the first year where it was ± two to three times higher and four times higher in year four comparing with the income with no rangeland management. Agricultural extension will enhance the objectives of securing sustainable agricultural development as indicated in this study for livestock production through the implementation of efficient rangeland management.

Stocking rate of extensive land-reform livestock farmers during 2018/2019 drought: Bloemfontein grassland biome case study

“…Average calving rates were, however, exceptionally low and comparable to the results of Van der Westhuizen et al (2020) of 32% obtained with very little or no rangeland management inputs. This trial was executed over a five-year period on the Glen experimental farm of the Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Bloemfontein district.…”

“…Calving rates, as reported by farmers, were also exceptionally low, with an average of 32% and a standard deviation of 24%. According to Van der Westhuizen et al (2020), low calving rates can be classified as the main financial driver in terms of profitability for extensive livestock farming systems.…”

Impact of Two Grazing Strategies on Rangeland Basal Cover and Beef Production in the Sourish Mixed Bushveld

“…Calf weaning weight expressed as a percentage of cow weaning weight was 41%, lower than the recommended 45% (www.bonsmara.co.za). In a study by Van Der Westhuizen et al (2020), the weaning weight of Bonsmara calves as low as 155kg was observed when no rangeland management system was applied. However, in the same study, weaning weights between 190kg and 229kg were recorded after successfully implementing a multi-camp grazing system.…”

Assessing Reproductive Performance to Establish Benchmarks for Small-Holder Beef Cattle Herds in South Africa

“…Reproductive performance is one of the factors influencing farm productivity because successful pregnancy and parturition rates are drivers of farm profit [ 7 , 8 ]. In South African smallholder farms, reproductive performance of beef cattle under extensive systems has been reported as low for over a decade with average calving rates of ≤48% [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. This figure is lower than the established industry standard of 65% calving rate in commercial herds and the department of agricultures’ recommended national average of 85% for beef cattle in SA [ 14 , 15 ].…”

“…Calving rate has been utilized as the single and most prominent indicator to define reproductive performances in SA smallholder herds [ 12 , 13 , 19 , 20 ]. However, as an effective measure of production, calving rate may have limitations in detecting underlying reproduction components.…”