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Country: UK
Dairy or/and meat sheep: Meat
Source of information: Industry information: http://www.qmscotland.co.uk/news/qms-sward-stick-monitor-optimal-grass-production
Level of solution:
X |
Knowledge |
X |
Practical |
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Just Being Tested |
Aim: To increase pasture quality, yield and utilization to improve ewe nutrition at mating
Description:
- The stock are moved through a series of paddocks to give the pasture intense grazing followed by a rest period; this improves the quality of grass, the quantity grown and the amount that is utilized by the stock.
- Using the following three measurements we can calculate the number of days grazing in a field to divide according to how frequently the farmer would like to move the animals:
- i) Grass available is measured using a calibrated sward stick which converts grass density into kilograms of dry matter per hectare.
ii) Target residuals (the amount of grass left behind) – this will depend on the time of year.
iii) The flock demand calculated based on their energy requirements at specific times of the year.
- i) Grass available is measured using a calibrated sward stick which converts grass density into kilograms of dry matter per hectare.
- This gives greater control so that quality pasture can be allocated to the flock at critical times (e.g. mating)
Expected benefits: Increased pasture quality, improved pasture utilization and therefore increased stocking rate potential.
Prerequisites and/or limits (knowledge, training, capabilities, cost, management, facilities, equipment, etc.)
- Training on how to measure grass and allocate with electric fencing
- Confidence with rotational grazing comes with experience
- Software is useful, but not essential, to make planning easier
- Time is a big limitation; farmers need to dedicate time to measure grass
Scientific Basis:
McWilliam, E. L., Barry, T. N., Lopez-Villalobos, N., Cameron, P. N., & Kemp, P. D. (2004). The effect of different levels of poplar (Populus) supplementation on the reproductive performance of ewes grazing low quality drought pasture during mating. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 115(1–2), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2004.03.006
Tips & Tricks
Expected impacts
Benefit |
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Benefit expected |
Increase productivity |
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System |
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Is the solution suitable for various production systems |
Y |
|
If no – for which system |
The sward stick equations were developed in New Zealand and work reasonably well in the UK. They would require changing for hotter climes. In addition, the grazing rules may need adapted for different climatic scenarios. |
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Cost |
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What are the asset costs |
<100 |
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What are the maintenance costs |
<50 |
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Any limits to its applicability |
no |
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Work Load |
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Farmers |
Service provider/tech.-vet-others |
How much time is required to prepare and implement the solution |
1 day – 1 week |
<1 day |
How many people is needed to implement the solution? |
1 |
0 |
Timing |
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How long it takes to get results? |
>=1week |
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How long it takes to see an effect on sheep productivity? |
next production period |
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Equipment/Facility |
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Farmers |
Service provider/technicians-vet-others |
What kind of equipment/tool are necessary? |
Fencing and water infrastructure |
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Skill/Knowledge-Training (farmer) |
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Does the solution need any specific skill/knowledge or training? |
Yes |
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How much time will be required for training |
1 day – 1 week |
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Wider Environment |
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Is there any particular regulation link to the solution? |
Public access |
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Does the solution need any particular structure or organisation? |
Rotational grazing needs to be well planned and adapted to seasonal conditions |
Users’ evaluation
Country(ies_ testing |
France, Spain, Italy |
Solution No/Name |
13 – Rotational grazing rules and QMS sward stick |
Farmer/Service provider/technicians-vet-others |
Solution tested in Italy by a farmer, in Spain by an adviser, and in France by a farmer (on a farm) and by advisers on an experimental station. |
Why did you select this solution? |
Improve grassland management and optimise grass utilisation |
Was it easy to implement? |
France – yes, Italy – No, Spain – more or less |
If not say what are the identified drawbacks? |
High number of measurements required to capture variation, Labour requirement, calibration equations need adapting for different countries |
Did you need to adapt it? |
Yes |
If yes, how? |
Heavier plate and longer stick for taller grass; difference density-grass height calibration equations; could be simplified using a boot mark. |
Were you happy with the outcome of the solution? |
Happy face: Italy gave it 2/5, France and Spain 4/5 |
What were the outcomes? |
Practical and easy-to-carry solution, references required for different countries. Rotational grazing can benefit soil organic matter, plant biodiversity, grass yield and grazing season duration |
Score the solution |
Interesting but need adaptations to implement it |
Will you continue to implement it? |
Spain was the only group that will continue to implement |
If not, for which reasons? |
France and Italy found it too laborious and suggest using more automated tools |
Comments/Additions |
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