The Effect of Nitrogen, Stocking Rate and Grazing Method on the Output of Pasture Grazed by Beef Cattle

An experiment was conducted in 1971 and 1972 to study the effects of two levels of fertilizer N (50 and 504 kg/ha) on the productivity of pastures grazed by young beef cattle. Two stocking rates were imposed at the lower N level and three at the higher. In addition to rotational grazing, set‐stocking and an integrated grazing‐conservation system were included. The responses/kg N were approximately 1 kg live‐weight gain, 19–24 Meal ME and 8–9 kg DM. Maximum yields of 1200–1300 kg live‐weight gain/ha and 25,000–27,000 Meal ME/ha were recorded. Productivity of set‐stocked pasture was similar to rotational grazing at the high N level, but lower at low N. The integrated system yielded comparable results to high‐N rotational grazing. Performances and herbage intakes per animal reflected the stocking rates imposed.