PRESENTATION ON

BPAG: 2213 AGRO-FORESTRY AND PASTURE AGRONOMY

BY
GROUP
NAME OF GROUP MEMBERS
NO NAME ID NO

01 OCAYA GOFFERY 22/SEP/BU/H/0010

02 OCHOLA SIMONN PETER 22/SEP/BU/H/0031

03 KOMAKCAH VITTA P’ KIDEGA 22/SEP/BU/H/0027

04 AWANY GOFFRY 22/SEP/BU/H/0015

Pasture Regeneration
Pasture regeneration refers to the process of renewing and
restoring the health, productivity, and biodiversity of pasture or
grazing land. Pastures can undergo various forms of stress due
to factors like overgrazing, environmental conditions, and
improper management practices. Regeneration aims to reverse
or moderate these impacts, allowing the pasture to recover and
thrive.
Regenerating pastures after grazing takes a holistic approach,
considering both how you manage the animals.

A farmer can ensure that the pastures regenerate after grazing

by practicing the following;
 Grazing Management

 Rotational Grazing: Dividing the pasture into smaller paddocks and rotating the animals through
them, allowing each paddock sufficient rest for regrowth (ideally 25-30 days). This prevents
overgrazing and promotes even utilization of the forage.

 Stocking Rate: Maintain a balance between the number of animals and the available
forage. Overstocking leads to rapid depletion of pasture and hinders proper regeneration.

 Grazing Intensity: Control how much the animals consume, aiming for them to leave a residual
height of 3-4 inches of forage. This provides shade and nutrients for regrowth and protects the soil
from erosion.

 Monitoring and Adaptation: Observe the pastures regularly, looking for signs of overgrazing or
uneven grazing patterns. Adjust the stocking rate, rotation schedule, or grazing duration as needed
based on forage availability and weather conditions.
 Soil Health:
1.Nutrient Management Testing:
• Conduct regular soil tests to assess nutrient levels and pH.
• Use the results to convert fertilizer applications and address any deficiencies.
2.Nutrient management
• Apply fertilizers based on soil test results and specific pasture species needs.
• Prioritize organic fertilizers like compost or composted manure when possible.
3.Cover Cropping:
• Introduce cover crops during periods of low grazing pressure to:
• Build organic matter in the soil.
• Suppress weed growth.
• Fix nitrogen in the soil.

• Choose cover crops that complement existing forage species.

Q2. How can a farmer ensure that he obtains maximum output from animals grazing that
pasture

 Rotational Grazing: Implementing a rotational grazing system helps optimize forage

utilization. Dividing the pasture into smaller paddocks and rotating animals through them
allows for even grazing and ensures that animals do not overgraze any particular area.

 Stocking Density Management: Adjusting the number of animals based on the carrying
capacity of the pasture prevents overgrazing. Balancing stocking density with pasture growth
rates ensures that animals have enough forage without depleting the pasture.

 Forage Selection and Quality: Choose forage species that are well-suited to the local climate
and soil conditions. Additionally, regularly monitor forage quality to ensure it meets the
nutritional needs of the animals. This may involve soil testing and selecting forage varieties
with higher nutritional value.
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 Supplemental Feeding: Provide supplemental feed during periods of low forage availability or poor quality. This helps
maintain optimal animal health and productivity. Balanced nutritional supplements can fill gaps in nutrient content.

 Water Management: Ensure animals have access to clean and abundant water. Proper water management is essential
for digestion and overall health. Consider strategically placing water sources to encourage even grazing across the
pasture.

 Grazing Height Management: Avoid allowing animals to graze too close to the ground. Maintaining a minimum
grazing height helps protect the plant's root systems and encourages quicker regrowth. This practice contributes to the
overall health of the pasture.

 Monitoring Animal Health: Regularly monitor the health of the grazing animals. Addressing health issues promptly
can prevent production losses. Work with a veterinarian to develop a comprehensive health management plan.

 Fertility Management: Implement a fertility management plan to optimize soil nutrient levels. This may involve using
organic or inorganic fertilizers based on soil test results. Well-fertilized pastures support healthy forage growth.

 Pasture Renovation: Periodically renovate pastures by overseeding with improved forage varieties. This helps maintain
a diverse and productive pasture that meets the nutritional needs of grazing animals.
Q3. Factors that influence the productivity of animals that
largely depend on forage as food
 Forage Quality and Quantity
 Forage Species and Diversity
 Grazing Management
 Water Availability and Quality
 Health Management
 Supplemental Feeding
 Soil Fertility
 Climate and Weather Conditions
 Genetic Factors
 Management Practices
 Economic Considerations
Q4. Factors that affect Forage Quality

Plant Factors:
 Species and Cultivars: Different plant species and cultivars possess varying levels of nutrients, fiber, and
digestibility. Legumes generally provide more protein than grasses, while cool-season grasses tend to be more
digestible than warm-season ones. Selecting appropriate species and cultivars for your climate and animal needs
is crucial.

 Maturity Stage: As plants mature, their stems and leaves become increasingly lignified, making them less
digestible and reducing their nutritional value. Harvesting forage at the optimum stage, typically during early bud
formation for grasses and pre-bloom for legumes, ensures higher quality.

 Weather Conditions: Temperature and rainfall heavily influence plant growth and quality. High temperatures and
drought stress can decrease protein content and increase fiber content, while excessive rainfall can leach nutrients
from the soil.
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Management Practices:

 Fertilization: Applying the right amount and type of fertilizer at the appropriate time can significantly
enhance forage quality. Deficiencies in crucial nutrients like nitrogen can limit protein content and
overall digestibility.

 Harvesting and Storage Techniques: Improper harvesting and storage practices can lead to
significant losses in quality. Wilting forage before baling or ensiling reduces moisture content and
preserves nutrients while minimizing field losses and preventing fermentation issues.

 Anti-Quality Factors: Certain plants naturally contain anti-quality factors like toxins or secondary
metabolites that can harm livestock or reduce digestibility. Identifying and managing such plants or
preventing their access to grazing animals is crucial.
Q5. Hay and Silage making and preservation
Hay and silage are two common methods for preserving forage crops
(like grasses, legumes, and cereals) to feed livestock during periods
when fresh forage is unavailable. Both methods have their advantages
and disadvantages, and the best choice for you will depend on your
specific circumstances.
 Hay making steps
1. Cutting: Harvest the forage crop at the right stage of maturity, usually when it is in the vegetative
stage or early bloom. This ensures good nutrition and digestibility.

2. Wilting: Allow the cut forage to dry in the field for a few days until it reaches a moisture content of
around 15-20%. This prevents mold growth and makes baling easier.

3. Tedding: Turn the forage over regularly with a tedder to promote even drying and prevent matting.

4. Baling: Bale using a round or square baler once the forage is dry. Round bales are typically easier to
store and handle, while square bales are more space-efficient.

5. Storing: Store the hay in a dry, well-ventilated location, such as a barn or hayloft. Protect it from
moisture and rodents.
Advantages of Haymaking:

 Simple and relatively low-cost method.

 Hay can be stored for long periods with minimal loss of quality.

 Suitable for a wide variety of forage crops.

Disadvantages of Haymaking:

 Weather-dependent; rain can delay or prevent drying.

 Loss of nutrients can occur during drying and storage.

 Hay is bulky and can be difficult to transport.

Silage Making:
1. Harvest the forage crop at the same stage as for haymaking.

2. Chop the forage into small pieces to improve packing and fermentation.

3. Load the chopped forage into a silo, which can be an upright concrete structure, a bunker trench, or a
plastic bag. Pack the forage tightly to exclude air.

4. Seal the silo to prevent air from entering. This allows lactic acid bacteria to ferment the sugars in the
forage, preserving it and preventing spoilage.

5. When feeding time comes, open the silo and take out the silage.
 Advantages of Silage Making:

 Higher nutrient preservation than haymaking.

 Less weather-dependent.

 Can be made from a wider variety of forage crops, including wetter ones.

 More compact and easier to store than hay.

Disadvantages of Silage Making:

 Requires specialized equipment, such as a chopper and a silo.

 Proper fermentation management is crucial to avoid spoilage.

 Silage can have a strong smell that some animals may not like.
 In conclusion

By implementing rotational grazing, proper stocking rates, and soil health practices, farmers can ensure their
pastures regenerate after grazing, leading to sustainable land use and healthy livestock.

Optimizing forage utilization, prioritizing animal health, and managing pastures holistically are key to maximizing
output from animals grazing on pasture. Rotational grazing, balanced nutrition, and monitoring are crucial aspects
of this strategy.

Numerous factors impact the productivity of animals that rely on forage, including forage quality, grazing
methods, environmental conditions, and genetic factors. Understanding these interactions is essential for
optimizing animal performance and pasture management.

Plant maturity, species, weather conditions, and management practices like fertilization and harvesting
significantly affect forage quality. Choosing nutritious varieties, harvesting at the right time, and minimizing
storage losses are crucial for providing optimal nutrition to animals.

Both haymaking and silage making have advantages and disadvantages. Haymaking is simpler and works for
various crops, but susceptible to weather and nutrient loss. Silage preserves nutrients better, can handle wetter
crops, and is compact, but requires specialized equipment and careful fermentation management. Choosing the
best method depends on your specific needs and resources.
REFERENCS
FAO (2011). Climate change and livestock production. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy.

Krzywinski, W., & Field, C.J. (2008). The effects of climate change on grazing systems: threats and opportunities. Pastoralism, 26(1), 1-22.

NRC (2016). Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle (7th ed.). National Academies Press, Washington, D.C.

Mott, R.O., & Buxton, D.R. (1985). Quality of forage for dairy cattle: Effects on production and health. Journal of Dairy Science, 68(11), 3212-3224.

Kjeldsen, R., Gouvea, F., & Jensen, H. H. (2008). Preservation of forage crops: drying, ensiling, and baling. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United

Nations. Rome, Italy.

Castillo, C., Ruiz-Diaz, D. A., & Garrett, L. A. (2018). Improving silage fermentation and aerobic stability through silage additives. Applied Microbiology and

Biotechnology, 122(7-8), 1251-1264.

Kung, L., Muck, R. E., & Kaiser, C. N. (2018). Silage fermentation management. In Silage science and technology (pp. 319-347). Academic Press. San Diego,

CA.

White, L. M. (2012). Anti-nutritional factors in legume forages: a review. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 172(1-2), 1-25

National Academies Press. (2016). Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle (7th ed.). Washington, DC: