Progress 03/05/04 to 03/04/09
Outputs
The work conducted in this project focused on expanding and improving the functionality of the PHYGROW model for providing assessment of plant growth in relation to weather, soils, plant communities and selective grazing pressure (http://cnrit.tamu.edu/phygrow). The PHYGROW model was integrated into a larger early warning system for East Africa, Mongolia and the United States to help grazingland managers cope with the emergence of drought using new NOAA satellite based weather monitoring systems (METEOSAT, CMORPH) and geostatistical methods of linking models with the new MODIS NDVI imagery. A new system for linking market, conflict, disease and conflict reporting systems via SMS cellphone text messaging technology and agent based modeling techniques was developed in East Africa with lessons learned applied to the newly emerging center on foreign animal disease and zoonotic disease defense at Texas A&M University. To deliver more timely nutritional consultation to
landowners the NUTBAL PRO system was automated for producers. NIRS fecal profiling monitoring technology was enhanced to include detection of mineral deficiencies, pregnancy status and tick-induced stress. Special focus was placed on application of portable spectrophotometers that can scan wet samples in the field to speed on-site diagnostics.
Impacts
The BRASS project will impact decision making on over 20 million acres of southern forest lands and protects will over 500 million in forest assests. The Noble Foundation impacts over 47 counties in the Southern Great Plains which includes advisories to well over 500 ranchers in the region. The nutritional monitoring system will be a critical part of the national Conservation Reserve Program and impact over 10000 ranchers in the USA with a value of well over $17.5 million in benefits to producers each year.
Publications
- 1. Stuth, J., W. Hamilton, R. Conner, J. Wu. 2004. The Burning Risk Assessment and Support System. Center for Natural Resource Information Technology. Texas A&M University. http://cnrit.tamu.edu/brass 2. Stuth, J., K. Zander W. Hamilton, R. Conner. 2004. The Noble Foundation Livestock Early Warning System. Center for Natural Resource Information Technology. Texas A&M University. http://cnrit.tamu.edu/noble
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
The primary focus of this research is to provide near real time monitoring systems and analytical tools to support decision making for natural resource management. This past year the following activities were pursued and products noted: 1. A Burning Risk Assessment and Support System (BRASS) was completed in collaboration with Agrilogic, Inc and USDA-Risk Management Agency to advise State Foresters and private landowners on potential fire behavior risks associated with over 60 reference vegetation types for East Texas, SE Oklahoma, SW Arkansas and NW Louisiana. The site is at 2. A Livestock Early Warning system was completed for the Noble Foundations operational area in North Texas and Central Oklahoma where producers are provided a continous assessment of forage conditions expressed as deviation from normal. The system provides a 90 day forecast of emerging forage conditions updated every 14 days. 3. Nutritional monitoring systems using our new NIRS fecal profiling
technology was completed for sheep and equine this year. The calibration equations are capable of predicting dietary crude protein (%) and digestible organic matter (%) within standard laboratory error and used in a nutrition model (NUTBAL) to predict animal performance and least cost supplementation of free ranging animals. Another risk management program was initiated this year which focuses on provision of early warning systems, referred to as FRAMS - Forage Risk Assessment Management Systems. This program is designed to provide ranchers an opportunity to input rainfall data from their property, select reference plant communities typical of their landscape and then monitor the forage conditions on their specific area. An economic trade off tool is being designed to allow them to assess whether it is best to "keep and feed" or "sell now - buy later" using simple economic analysis and a market forecaster tool. An early operational version of the system can be seen at
http://cnrit.tamu.edu/frams
Impacts
The BRASS project will impact decision making on over 20 million acres of southern forest lands and protects will over 500 million in forest assests. The Noble Foundation impacts over 47 counties in the Southern Great Plains which includes advisories to well over 500 ranchers in the region. The nutritional monitoring system will be a critical part of the national Conservation Reserve Program and impact over 10000 ranchers in the USA with a value of well over $17.5 million in benefits to producers each year.
Publications
- Stuth, J., W. Hamilton, R. Conner, J. Wu. 2004. The Burning Risk Assessment and Support System. Center for Natural Resource Information Technology. Texas A&M University. http://cnrit.tamu.edu/brass
- Stuth, J., K. Zander W. Hamilton, R. Conner. 2004. The Noble Foundation Livestock Early Warning System. Center for Natural Resource Information Technology. Texas A&M University. http://cnrit.tamu.edu/noble
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Several advances were made in development of decision suppot systems to support livestock producers in the USA. The Grazinglands Spatial Analysis Tool (GSAT) and the NUTBAL PRO 1.0 nutritional management tool was adopted and deployed by USDA-NRCS. A web-based nurtitional advisory system that allows producers to log into the site http://cnrit.tamu.edu/autosystem and input information about their animals and receive a sample number for shipping fecal samples to the Grazingland Animal Nutrition Lab at Texas A&M University was deployed. The producer and their advisor and managers gets the prediction of animal gain/loss, body condition change and least cost feeding solution. We have deployed the Texas Livestock Early Warning System which predicts deviation from normal forage of rangelands (http://cnrit.tamu.edu/txlews). We have deployed the Southeastern Fire Risk Advisory system which provides 7 day forecasts in a spatial manner of potential fire behavior of over 64 stand
types, updated daily.
Impacts
The early warning systems technology will formed the basis of the national forage loss insurance program of USDA RMA affecting $895 million dollars in forage related assets and over 300,000 producers. The GSAT program will impact over 3000 field offices of USDA NRCS working with well over 200000 producers participating in the EQIP conservation program. The NUTBAL software directly impacted the well being over 3000 producers nationwide with a net benefit of $35/exposed cow per year to those producers participating in the program.
Publications
- Roberts, C, J.W. Stuth and P. Flinn. 2004. Chapter 10: Analysis of Forage and Feedstuff (in press) In: Agricultural Applications of Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy. CAB.
- Stuth, J. W., J. Angerer, R. Kaitho, A. Jama and R. Marambii. 2004. Strategies for monitoring forage production as an indicator of agricultural drought. (in press). V. Boken (ed) Agricultural Drought Monitoring Strategies in the World. Oxford Press.
- Tolleson, D., D. Rabbe, R. Randel, J. Stuth and K. Busch. 2003. Prediction of blood plasma progesterone via near infrared transmittance spectroscopy. J. Anim. Sci. 81 ( Suppl. 2):16.
- Stuth, J., J. Angerer, R. Kaitho, K. Zander, A. Jama, C. Heath, J. Bucher, W. Hamilton, R. Conner, D. Inbody. 2003. The Livestock Early Warning System (LEWS): Blending technology and the human dimension to support grazing decisions. Arid Lands Newsletter
- Stuth, J. W., R. Kaitho, J. Angerer, and A. Jama. 2003. Combating Desertification with a Livestock Early Warning System in East Africa. (In press) In: 7th International Rangeland Congress. Durban, South Africa.
- Gerik, T.J., E.M. Steglich, L.L. Francis, J.H. Greiner, R. Srinivasan, W.L. Harman and J.W. Stuth. 2003. The crop weather analyzer: A program to evaluate real-time and historical implications of temperature and rainfall on crop development. In: Proc. Beltwide Cotton Conference. San Antonio, TX.
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
Several advances were made in development of decision suppot systems to support livestock producers in the USA. The first tool release was a web-based nurtitional advisory system that allows producers to log into the site http://cnrit.tamu.edu/autosystem and input information about their animals and receive a sample number for shipping fecal samples to the Grazingland Animal Nutrition Lab at Texas A&M University. Once received the sample is logged into the system, NIRS predicts diet CP and DOM and the NUTBAL model is automatically run after downloading the weather data from the animal performance weather site created by our group (http://cnrit.tamu.edu/cgi-bin/nutbalweather). The producer and their advisor and managers gets the prediction of animal gain/loss, body condition change and least cost feeding solution. Another tool has been complete called webGLA which allows complete forage inventory analysis of ranches. This spatial tool allows characterization of
acreage, pasture configurations and site productivity to compute carrying capacity and determine stocking of mixed species (http://gla.tamu.edu).Finally, we have completed software deployment of selected pilot sites for the Texas Livestock Early Warning System which predicts deviation from normal forage of rangelands (http://cnrit.tamu.edu/txlews).
Impacts
The application of these tools are expected to impact decision making over over five thousand ranchers in the near term. Full adoption of the technology would impact thirty two percent of the ranches of the USA.
Publications
- Robert Kaitho, Jerry W. Stuth, Jay Angerer, Abdi Jama, Rapheal Marambii. Potential use of climate information and prediction products in addressing challenges of livestock development. In: Proceedings 9th Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum, Kenya. May, 2002.
- Stuth, J. 2002. Determinants of Livestock Distribution and Their Linkage to Climate. In: Proceedings 9th Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum, Kenya. May, 2002.
- Angerer, J.P., Stuth, J.W., Wandera, F.P., Kaitho, R.J. 2001. Use of Satellite-Derived Data to Improve Biophysical Model Output: An Example from Southern Kenya. In: Proceedings of SANREM CRSP Research Synthesis Conference, University of Georgia Athens, GA.
- Lemberg, Beth, J.W. Mjelde, J.R. Conner, R.C. Griffin, W.D. Rosenthal and J.W. Stuth. 2002. An interdisciplinary approach to valuing water from brush control J. Am. Water Res. Assn. 38:409-422.
- Lee, A., J. Conner, J. Mjelde, J. Richardson, J. Stuth. 2002. Regional cost share necessary for rancher participation in brush control. J. Agric. & Resource Econ. 26:478-490.
- Al-Hamad, M., M. Vannucci and J. Stuth. 2003. Biophysical modeling and NDVI time series to project near-term forage supply. Part I: Fourier spectral analysis aided by wavelet denoising. J. Remote Sensing and Environment. (submitted)
- Al-Hamad, M., J. Stuth and M. Vannucci. 2003. Biophysical modeling and NDVI time series to project near-term forage supply. Part II: Box and Jenkins ARIMA modeling. J. Remote Sensing and Environment. (submitted)
- Stuth, J., W. Hamilton, R. Conner. 2002. Insights in Development and Deployment of the GLA and NUTBAL Decision Support Systems for Grazinglands. Agricultural Systems 77:
- Stuth, J., A. Jama and D. Tolleson. 2003. Direct and Indirect Means of Predicting Forage Quality Through Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy. Crop Research (in press)
- Stuth, J. and R. Kaitho. 2002. The LEWS/GLCRSP's role in providing information on forage conditions in East Africa using near real-time weather data. In: Proceedings 10th Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum, Nairobi, Kenya. August 29, 2002.
- Marambii, R., J. Stuth, R. Kaitho, A. Jama and Z. Gibson. 2002. Communication Infrastructure of the GL/CRSP Livestock Early Warning System in East Africa. In: Proc. Livestock Early Warning Systems for East Africa. FAO Pastoral Forum, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- Kaitho, R., J. Angerer, J. Stuth and A. Jama. 2002. Mapping Forage Response in the LEWS/GLCSP Project. In: Proc. Livestock Early Warning Systems for East Africa. FAO Pastoral Forum, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- Stuth, J., A. Jama, R. Kaitho, R. Marambii, and J. Angerer. 2002. Overview of the GL-CRSP Livestock Early Warning System for East Africa. In: Proc. Livestock Early Warning Systems for East Africa. FAO Pastoral Forum, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- Jama, A., Z. Gibson, J. Stuth, R. Kaitho, J. Angerer, and R. Kaitho. 2002. Setting Up a Livestock Early Warning System Monitoring Zone: Site Selection, Characterization, and Sampling for the PHYGROW Model. . In: Proc. Livestock Early Warning Systems for East Africa. FAO Pastoral Forum, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- Kaitho, R., J. Stuth, J. Angerer, A. Jama and R. Marambii. 2002.Potential use of climate information and prediction products in addressing challenges of livestock development.
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
This program has focused on development of forage and animal monitoring systems to feed information into multiscale decision support systems (DSS). A comprehensive automation system was developed that allows the rangeland forage production model, PHYGROW, to be linked with the NOAA satellite based weather sources to help support livestock early warning systems for ranchers in the USA and pastoralists in East Africa. A fully automated site for East Africa is now on line for East Africa at http://cnrit.tamu.edu/aflews. Using point-based biophysical modeling linked with NDVI satellite data, the ability to project forage conditions across large landscapes was demonstrated using advanced geostatistical techniques of kriging and co-kriging. Innovative inforamtion delivery was established with use of WorldSpace satellite radios linked to laptop computers. Complex modeling results are delived via this system to remote regions without internet connections. Building on past
research on detecting diet quality of free-ranging livestock and linking to the NUTBAL PRO DSS, we have determined that NIRS can detect threshold conditions for mineral deficiencies (Cu, Co, Se, P) in collaboration with the Montana Cattleman Association and USDA NRCS in Montana. NIRS fecal profiling has also been shown to detect pregnancy in a national collaborative research program with Texas Tech University, USDA-ARS, TAES Overton, TAES Amarillo, TAES Corpus Christi, University of Georgia, North Dakota State University
Impacts
The development of the automated livestock early warning system linked to the NIRS fecal profiling system will provide the ranching industry a new risk management tool that can help stablize income flow in the ranch firm and minimize the degradation of rangelands due to drought.
Publications
- Roberts, C, J. Stuth, P. Flinn. 2002. Analysis of forage and feedstuff (in press) In: NIRS Applications in Agriculture. AAAS Press.
- Stuth, J, J. Angerer, R. Kaitho, A. Jama, R. Marambii. 2002. Strategies for monitoring forage production as an indicator of agricultural drought. (in press) In: Agricultural Drought Monitoring Strategies in the World, Kluwer Academic Press.
- Souza Neto, Jose de, J.R. Conner and J.W. Stuth. 2001.Biophysical and Economic Models for Assessing Impacts of Change on Grazingland Ecosystems. Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental, No. 1 (Jan.- Apr. 2001) 5:135-137.
- Lemberg, Beth, J.W. Mjelde, J.R. Conner, R.C. Griffin, W.D. Rosenthal and J.W. Stuth. 2001. Integrating Ecological, Hydrologic, and Economic Models for Water Valuation in South Texas. J. Am. Water Res. Assn. (in press).
- Lee, A., J. Conner, J. Stuth, and J. Mjelde. 2002. Economic Impacts of Brush Control Cost Share on Range-Based Ranches. J.Agric. & Res. Econ. (in press).
- Lee, A. J. Conner, J. Mjelde, J. Stuth. 2002. Use of Seasonal Climate Forecasts in Rangeland-Based Livestock Operations in West Texas. J. Applied Meteorology (in press).
- K. D. Schumann, J. R. Conner, J. W. Richardson, J. W. Stuth, W. T. Hamilton, and D.L. Drawe. 2002. The use of biophysical and expected payoff probability simulation in the economic assessment of brush management alternatives. J. Agric. & Applied Econ. 33:(in press).
- Tolleson, D.R., Randel, R.D., Stuth, J.W., Willard, S.T., and Gandy, B.S. 2001.Detection of pregnancy in cattle using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy of feces. Journal of Animal Science 79:21 (Suppl. I).
- Tolleson, D.R., Willard, S.T., Gandy B.S., and Stuth, J.W. 2001. Determination of reproductive status in dairy cattle using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy of feces. Journal of Animal Science 79:21 (Suppl. I).
- Blaisdell, R.S., Tolleson, D.R., Whisnant, S.G., and Stuth, J.W. 2001. Determination of chemical and biological properties of Blackland Prairie soils in central Texas by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy. Proceedings: Southern Association of Agricultural Workers meetings, Ft Worth, TX.
- Tolleson, D., Stuth, J., Vandervorste, W., Steffen, D., Hermann, J., Schmidt. D. 2001. Prediction of weight gain in breeding heifers via the NIRS/NutbalPro system. Proceedings: Society for Range Management meetings, Kona, HI.
- Tolleson, D., Osborn, R., Neuendorff, D., Greyling, M., Randel, R., Stuth, J., and Ginnett, T. 2001. Determination of gender in four wildlife species by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy of feces. Proceedings: Texas Chapter, Wildlife Society meetings, College Station, TX .
- Stuth, J.W. and D. Tolleson. 2001. Range management for optimal beef cow fertility. pp. 64-74. In: Proc. Annual Food Animal Conference: Conception to Parturition: Fertility in Texas Beef Cattle, June 2-3, CollegeVet. Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station.126 p.
- Tolleson, D.R., Teel, P.D., Stuth, J.W., and Strey. O. F. 2002. Phase of external parasite feeding cycle affects NIRS predicted diet quality in cattle. Journal of Animal Science 80:() (Suppl. I) .
- Tolleson, D. Stuth, J. Keating, S. Kronberg, S. 2002. Dry matter intake of cattle, sheep, and elk determined by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy of feces. Journal of Animal Science 80:? (Suppl. I) .
- Zimmerman, E.E., Stuth, J.W., Northup, B.K., and Tolleson, D.R. 2002. Morphological and chemical characteristics of South Texas shrubs affect intake rate of goats. Journal of Animal Science 80:? (Suppl. I).
- Andrae, J.G., McCann, M.A., Tolleson, D.R., Bondurant, J., Watson, R., Stuth J.W., and Norman, A.J. 2001. Relationship of clipped diet samples to fecal NIRS diet quality predictions of cattle grazing tall fescue pastures in Georgia. Journal of Animal Science 79:28 (Suppl. I).
- Godfrey, R.W., Dodson, R.E., Bultman, J.K., Tolleson, D.R., Stuth, J.W., and Norman,A.J. 2001. Use of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy to differentiate pregnancy status and gender of hair sheep in the tropics. Journal of Animal Science 79:26 (Suppl. I).
- Tolleson, D.R., Wilson, T.W., Randel, R.D., Neuendorff, D.A., Lewis, A.W., and Stuth, J.W. 2001. Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy of feces did not reliably predict serum progesterone (P4) in cows. Journal of Animal Science 79:21 (Suppl. I).
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Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
This past year has focued on finalization and completion of the NUTBAL PRO nutritional management nutritional management system. The NIRS fecal profiling system was expanded to accommodate over 900 diet fecal pairs with completion of system validation in Georgia, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas and Montana. Another monitoring system development was initiated to design a livestock early warning sytsem for Texas. The system couples the PHYGROW biophysical model for predicting rangeland forage production and NEXRAD rainfall data with NDVI satellite data to predict what is happening at predetermine points in a region and then using geostastical methods (cokriging) with the NDVI satellite data, project forage conditions across a specified region. The system is being pilot tested in the FRIO, MIDDLE CONCHO and WICHITA river basins in Texas. The automation tools have been completed.
Impacts
The NIRS/NUTBAL nutritional management system has been fully implemented in 50 States. After training over 400 NRCS employess impacting over 1000 ranches, a survey revealed that the system has resulted in increased revenues per exposed cow approaching $40 per year. The resulting impact would be well over $300 million to the industry each year with a 20% adoption rate.
Publications
- Stuth, J.W. and G. Maraschin. 2000. Sustainable management of pasture and rangelands (in press). IN:Grassland Ecophysiology and Grazing Ecology. CAB. International, Wallingford, Oxon, UK.
- Ranching Systems Group. 2000. NUTBAL PRO - Advanced nutritional management systems. Dept. of Rangeland Ecology and Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, http://cnrit.tamu.edu/ganlab (Adopted by USDA NRCS).
- Ranching Systems Group. 2000. WebGLA - Web-based Grazing Lands Applications. Currently under development for USDA NRCS.
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Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99
Outputs
The principle emphasis of the research program is development of information technologies which lead to improved decision making by resource managers working at the regional, local or household level. Principle activities involved expansion of the capability of the PHYGROW model to deal with dynamic shifts in animal populations of mixed species, dietary selectivity and animal impact on forage, both on a grid (spatial) and point basis. A new common modeling environment system was developed to integrate multiple, biophysical models over the web. A new on-farm planning system called web-GLA was begun to address web delivered applications. The NUTBAL-PRO Nutritional Balance Analyzer was initiated to allow more complete representation of the NRC Level 1 and other features to better address international agriculture applications. We have broadened the application of the NIRS/NUTBAL Nutritional Management System from 42 States and 900 ranches with over 8000 samples run for
ranches throughout the USA.
Impacts
Over 1800 ranchers have been served with our research with an average of $28 per exposed cow among 57% of participants. With a 20% adoption rate this would be substantial impact on economy of the USA. Our CME software is going to support analytical capacity of the World Agricultural information center at FAO.
Publications
- Stuth, Jerry W., and Robert K. Lyons. 1999. Grazing steer fecal output dynamics on south Texas shrubland. J. Range Manage. 52:275-282.
- Sprinkle, J.E., J.W. Holloway, B.G. Warrington, W.C. Ellis, J.W. Stuth, T.D.A. Forbes and L.W. Greene. 1999. Digesta Kinetics, Energy Intake, Grazing Behavior, and Core Temperature of grazing Beef Cattle Differing in Adaptation to Heat. J. Animal Sci. (In press).
- Stuth, J.W., M.Freer, H. Dover, and R.K. Lyons. 1999. Nutritional Management Decision Support Systems for Free-Ranging Livestock. (Submitted: In Press) IN: Hans Jung (ed) Nutrition of Herbivores.
- Rickert, K.G., and J.W. Stuth and G. McKeon. 1999. Modeling Pasture and Animal Production (in press). L. `t Mannetje and R.M. Jones (eds.) Field and Laboratory Methods for Grassland and Animal Production Research, CAB International, Wallingford, Oxon, United Kingdom.
- Stuth, J.W., P. Hamlett, A. Norman. 1999. The Nutritional Balance Analyzer, Part I. 15 min. USDA-NRCS.
- Norman A, J. Eilers, Jerry W. Stuth, and Doug Tolleson. 1999. Enhancing Conservation Management via Nutritional Profiling of Livestock on grazing Lands: The NRCS National Evaluation of Forage Quality and Animal Well Being Program. Proc. VI Internl. Rangeland Congress, Townsville, Queensland, Australia. People & Rangelands Building the Future. p. 378-379.
- Stuth, J.W., J. D. Eilers, and D.R. Tolleson. 1999. Nutritional profiling of free-ranging herbivores: What have we learned and where do we go from here? Proc. VI Internl. Rangeland Congress, Townsville, Queensland, Australia. People & Rangelands Building the Future. p. 515-516.
- Corbett, John D., & Jerry W. Stuth. 1999. A structured spatial sample for a famine early warning system in east Africa's pastoral ecosystems. Proc. VI Internl. Rangeland Congress, Townsville, Queensland, Australia. People & Rangelands Building the Future. p. 165-167.
- Stuth, J.W., P. Hamlett, A. Norman, 1999. The Nutritional Balance Analyzer Part II. 15 min. USDA-NRCS.
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Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98
Outputs
The principle emphasis of the research program is development of information technologies which lead to improved decision making by resource managers working at the regional, local or household level. Principle activities involved expansion of the capability of the PHYGROW model to deal with dynamic shifts in animal populations of mixed species, dietary selectivity and animal impact on forage, both on a grid (spatial) and point basis. A new common modeling environment system was developed to integrate multiple, biophysical models over the web. A new on-farm planning system called web-GLA was begun to address web delivered applications. The NUTBAL-PRO Nutritional Balance Analyzer was initiated to allow more complete representation of the NRC Level 1 and other features to better address international agriculture applications. We have broadened the application of the NIRS/NUTBAL Nutritional Management System from 42 States and 900 ranches with over 8000 samples run for
ranches throughout the USA.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Sprinkle, J.E., C.L. Ferrell, J.W. Holloway, B.G. Warrington, L.W. Greene, G.Wu, and J.W. Stuth. 1998. Adipose Tissue Partitioning of Limited-Fed and Ad Libitum-Fed Beef Cattle Differing in adaptation to Heat. Journal of Animal Science, Ruminant Nutrition Section. 76:665-673.
- Conner, J.R., W.T. Hamilton, D.P. Sheehy, J.W. Stuth and U.P. Kreuter. 1998. Grassland-based livestock production in temperate zones. World Animal Review, 90 pp.6-13.
- Teel, P.D., W.E. Grant, S.L. Marin, and J.W. Stuth. 1998. Simulated cattle fever tick infestations in rotational grazing systems. J.Range Manage. 51:501-508.
- Neto, Jose de Souza, James Richard Conner, Jerry Wayne Stuth, Wayne Travis Hamilton and James Willis Richardson. 1998. Management Strategies and Climate Impact change on Rangelands. Pesq. Agropec. Bras., Brasilia, v.33, n.9, p.1533-1541, set.
- Stuth, J.W. 1998. Nutrition of brood cows in the South Texas brush country. Using NIRS/NUTBAL nutritional management system. Pp. 161-169. In: A. Gonzales, J.C.M. Gonzales, E.G. Valenzuela, and D.A. Tewolde (eds). Taller de Ganaderia de Bovinos de Carne del Norte de Mexico y sur de Texas. 26-27 Feb. 1998. C.D. Victoria, Tamps, Mexico.
- Lemberg, Beth, Jerry W. Stuth, James W. Mjelde, J.Richard Conner. 1998. Application of the PHYGROW Model to Assess Hydrologic Impacts of Brush Control in the Frio River Basin, TX. Rangeland Management and Water Resources, American Water Resources Association, May: 121-130.
- Corbett, Jerry W. Stuth, Paul T. Dyke,. Abdi Jama. 1998. New Tools for the Characterization of Agricultural (crop and livestock) Environments: the identification of pastoral ecosystems as a preliminary structure for use in sample site identification. Proc. On Pastoral Early Warning Systems for Ethiopia. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- Stuth, J.W., J.D. Eilers, and D.R., Tolleson. 1998. Nutritional profiling of free-ranging herbivores: What have we learned and where do we go from here? IV Internl. Congress, Townsville, Australia.
- Stuth, J.W., P. Dyke, J. Corbett and Abdi Jama. 1998. The Use of NIR/BUTBAL. PHYGROW, and APEX in a Meta-Modeling Environment for an Early Warning System to Monitor Livestock Nutrition and Health. IV Internl. Congress, Townsville, Australia.
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Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97
Outputs
Research focus was on building information technologies which provide information infrastructure for resource management decision making and greater linkage of biological research to address knowledge deficiencies associated with sustainable management of grazingland ecosystems. Major emphasis was placed on expanding functionality of the object-oriented design, hydrologic based, multiple species plant growth model (PHYGROW). New functionality focused on adding a decision-point stocking adjustment module, improved diet selection algorithms to include "Emergency" foods, litter interception with improved decomposition algorithm and canopy interception. A new study was initiated on the Frio River basin to allow valuing of water after brush control. PHYGROW output was linked to SWAT and WATERVAL models to determine the value of water to Corpus Christi, Texas. Integrated systems research of grazing by steers and goats in conjunction with rollerchopping/fire woody plant
control systems are providing a field laboratory to verify and test the robustness of the information technologies described above. A nutritional profiling system which links NIRS fecal scanning to predict diet protein and digestible organic matter and the updated NUTBAL 1.17 decision support system is being used on over 1250 ranches in 42 States and will form the critical link in the regional advisory system for resource management to help link vegetation response to animal production response.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- De Souza Neto, J., J.R. Conner, J.W. Stuth, W.T. Hamilton and J.W. Richardson. 1997. Integrating biophysical and economic models for assessing impacts of change on grazingland ecosystems. Proceedings of the 18th International Congress, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, June 8-19, 1997.27:7-8.
- Quirk, M.F., J.W. Stuth. 1997. Accounting for selective grazing in the stocking rate decision. Proceedings of the 18th International Congress, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, June 8-19, 1997. 26:7-8.
- Sprinkle, J.E., J.W. Holloway, B.G. Warrington, W.C. Ellis, J.W. Stuth, T.D.A. Forbes, and L.W. Greene. 1997. Digesta kinetics and energy intake of grazing beef cattle differing in adaption to heat. In: Proc. ASAS Western Section American Soc. Animal Sci. Vol. 48, 4pp.
- Shropshire, K.L. and J.W. Stuth. 1997. Understanding growth dynamics of rangeland species under unlimited water and rainfed conditions. Proceedings of the 18th International Congress, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, June 8-19, 1997. 22:13-14.
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Progress 01/01/96 to 12/30/96
Outputs
The principle emphasis of the research program is development of information technologies which lead to improved decision making by resource managers working at the regional, local or household level. Principle activities involved expansion of the capability of the PHYGROW model to deal with dynamic shifts in animal populations of mixed species, dietary selectivity and animal impact on forage, both on a grid (spatial) and point basis. The POPMIX diet selection algorithm was incorporated into PHYGROW. We completed a comprehensive study of plant growth in response to water-unlimited conditions for the Edwards Plateau, preparing the database for extensive economic analyses of farm policy change on ranching in the Edwards Plateau with PHYGROW generating output for the FLIPSIMS economics model. The NUTBAL-Nutritional Balance Analyzer was upgraded to allow more accurate analysis of grazing pressure/intake relationships. Several of the NUTBAL utilities were placed on the
world wide web for direct use. We have broadened the application of the NIRS/NUTBAL Nutritional Management System from 22 to 26 States and 520 to 860 ranches. A survey of NIRS/NUTBAL users indicated that they experienced an average savings of $4.80/head on feeding costs, increased weaning weights and conception rates and a greater understanding of pasture management.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- KREUTER, U.P., R.C. ROWAN, J.R.CONNER, J.W. STUTH, AND W.T. HAMILTON. 1996. Decision support software for estimating the economic efficiency of grazing land production. J. Range Manage. 49:464-469.
- STUTH, J.W. 1996. Managing grazing lands: Critical information infrastructures and knowledge requirements for the future. Tropical Grasslands 30: 2-17.
- OCUMPAUGH, W.R., S. ARCHER, AND J.W. STUTH. 1996. Switchgrass recruitment from broadcast seed vs. seed fed to cattle. J. Range Manage. 49:368-371.
- CONNER, J.R., W.T. HAMILTON, U.P. KREUTER, D.P. SHEEHY, J.R. SIMPSON, AND J.W. STUTH. 1996. Vol. I Executive summary, delineation of zones-production systems & appendix. IN: Livestock-Environment Interactions, FAO, Rome, Italy.
- SHEEHY, D.P., W.T. HAMILTON, U.P. KREUTER, J.R. SIMPSON, J.W. STUTH and J.R. CONNER. 1996. Vol. 2 Grassland-based systems in temperate zones (LGT). IN: Livestock-Environment Interactions, FAO, Rome, Italy.
- STUTH, J.W., U.P. KREUTER, D.P. SHEEHY, J.R. SIMPSON, J.R. CONNER, AND W.T. HAMILTON. 1996. Vol. 3 Grassland-based systems in humid and subhumid tropic and subtropic zones (LGH). IN: Livestock-Environment Interactions, FAO, Rome.
- HAMILTON, W.T., STUTH, J.W., CONNER, SHEEHY, D.P., KRUETER, U.P. and J.R. Simpson. 1996. Vol 4 Mixed rainfed systems in temperate zones (MRT). IN: Livestock-Environment Interactions, FAO,Rome,Italy.
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Progress 01/01/95 to 12/30/95
Outputs
Research focus was on building info technologies which provide information infrastructure for resource management decision making and greater linkage of biological research to address knowledge deficiencies associated with sustainable management of grazingland ecosystems. Major emphasis was placed on expanding functionality of the object-oriented design, hydrologic based, multiple species plant growth model (PHYGROW). New functionality focused on physical routing of water in plant canopies to accommodate canopy interception and stemflow. Long-term animal enterprise mix and stocking rates were analyzed for sandy loam and clay loam sites using model projections of 25 individual species growing together a plant community. A companion study is focused on linkage of the PHYGROW system and two other models which predict spatial grazing processes using a behavioral rulebase driven by physiological thresholds of animals (GRZPAT) and a diet selection model (POPMIX) in the
ARCINFO geographical information system. Further studies were identified to better understand morpho-chemo features of shrubs that affect diet selection by goats. A nutritional profiling system which links NIRS fecal scanning to predict diet protein and digestible organic matter and the updated NUTBAL 1.13 decision support system is being used on over 520 ranches in 22 States and will form the critical link in the regional advisory system for resource management to help link vegetation response to animal production response.
Impacts
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Publications
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Progress 01/01/94 to 12/30/94
Outputs
Research focus was on building information technologies which provide information infrastructure for resource management decision making, and greater linkage of biological research to address knowledge deficiencies associated with sustainable management of grazingland ecosystems. Major emphasis was placed on validation and verification of an object-oriented design, hydrologic based, multiple species plant growth model (PHYGROW). This open systems approach to modeling is targeting regional level policy decision making via linkage with regional soils databases, expert derived plant attribute databases, NOAH on-line weather data and spatially referenced model plant communities. The system is capable modeling multiple species response. A companion study is focused on linkage of the PHYGROW system and two other models which predict spatial grazing processes using a behavioral rulebase driven by physiological thresholds of animals (GRZPAT) and a diet selection model (POPMIX)
in the ARCINFO geographical information system. Further studies were identified to better understand morpho-chemo features of shrubs that affect diet selection by goats. Integrated systems research of grazing by steers and goats in conjunction with rollerchopping/fire woody plant control systems are providing a field laboratory to verify and test the robustness of the information technologies described above.
Impacts
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Progress 01/01/93 to 12/30/93
Outputs
Development of decision support systems (DSS) which link the knowledge generation process with knowledge organization and transfer, was the central focus of the research program. A PC WINDOWS based Geographical Landscape Analysis System (GLAS) was completed which will allow grazingland managers to characterize the spatial attributes of their properties and directly use spatial information in resource planning systems. The PHYGROW plant growth model was adapted to multiple species growth patterns to accommodate mixed rangeland vegetation. Decomposition analysis was completed to assist in moving the system into a more advanced object oriented design plant growth model for rangeland vegetation. A research protocol was developed to establish maximum potential yields of grasses, forbs and browse for use in the OOD-PHYGROW plant growth model. A near infrared reflectance specroscopy (NIRS) system to predict dietary crude protein and digestible organic matter was linked to the
NUTBAL Nutritional Balance Analyzer to create the first firm level nutritional monitoring and management system for the range livestock industry. A dynamic enterprise investment system was completed, the Grazingland Alternative Analysis Tool - GAAT. This economic decision support system allows 25 year projects of animal herd populations by enterprise and non-animal enterprise to determine economic viability of enterprise investment alternatives on grazinglands.
Impacts
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Progress 01/01/92 to 12/30/92
Outputs
Development of decision support systems (DSS) which link the knowledge generation process with knowledge organization and transfer, was the central focus of the research program. The GLA 2.0 Grazing Lands Application DSS was completed and made available to the public and to the USDA-Soil Conservation Service as part of their national field office computing system. The PHYGROW plant growth model was complete and is currently undergoing decomposition analysis for an advanced object oriented design plant growth model for rangeland vegetation. NIRS equations were put into service for cattle with a national database development project on 58 ranches in nine states from Florida across the south and southwest to California and Oregon. Validation of the goat NIR diet quality equation was completed and verification of the NUTBAL goat nutrition DSS was initiated for Spanish goats.
Impacts
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Progress 01/01/91 to 12/30/91
Outputs
Research conducted under the guise of this project focused on major problems facing resource managers. A more advanced decision support system, GLA 2.0 was developed and is ready for beta testing in 11 states. The system has advanced tactical planning modules for scheduling grazing, analyzing grazing pressure given husbandry, and forage growth. A nutritional balance analyzer was developed and interfaced with new NIRS fecal profiling technology. The NIRS technology has been validated and proven to predict diet protein and digestible energy with a high degree of accuracy. Verification of the model with monitored herds indicates that this technology is nearing release for commercial application. The plant growth stocking analyzer (PHYGRO) has undergone additional enhancements and is nearing integration into the GLA 2.0 system. This research is serving planning needs of USDA-Soil Conservation Service and the range livestock industry.
Impacts
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Publications
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Progress 01/01/90 to 12/30/90
Outputs
Research conducted under the guise of this project focused on major problems facing resource managers on grazing lands. A decision support system, Grazing Lands Applications (GLM), was nationally distributed in all field offices of the USDA-Soil Conservation Service. Field research programs focused on problems which emerged in the development of GLA. To support tactical and operational planning, a nutritional monitoring system was developed that utilized fecal scanning with near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Calibration and subsequent validation indicates that the technology can be moved into the private sector. A hydrologic-based forage production (PHYGRO) was enhanced and validated to support destocking decision. A protocol for parameterizing maximum potential yield of rangeland communities was initiated. A comparative yield procedure for characterizing maximum yield per unit basal area was developed. Two landscape-use models were developed. One focused on
land development investments and was verified for application on two pastures. The other model is a physiological-based model for cattle. Both models allow analysis of controversial issues such as riparian management, water development and habitat alteration.
Impacts
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Progress 01/01/89 to 12/30/89
Outputs
The principal focus of this research over the past year has been on (1) development of landscape use models for free-roaming cattle in extensive landscape environments, (2) fecal profiling systems for predicting diet quality via near-infrared spectroscopy, (3) development of hydrologic-based forage production models for operational destocking models and (4) development of decision support systems for management of grazing lands. An empirical model which links spatial GIS analysis of landscapes with a simulation model to predict relative use of response units and conducts an economic analysis for optimum investments in water and land treatments has been prototyped. The predicted results were implemented on an 8000 acre pasture in South Texas. To complement the empirical model, a physiological-based model was developed which predicts landscape use driven by hierarchical processes of animal needs (water, thermal, food, rest, social) relative to spatial configurations of
plant communities, water and thermal foci, and temporal patterns of plant growth. The grazing velocity and thermal balance submodels were validated. A fecal profiling system was validated, yielding sufficiently high R and SE to be useful for predicting dietary crude protein and energy of free ranging livestock. A research protocol was established to parameterize maximum potential yield curves in the PHYGRO hydrologic-based forage production model.
Impacts
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Progress 01/01/88 to 12/30/88
Outputs
Studies on landscape use patterns of cattle grazing on South Texas mixed brush with patterned brush treatments of rootplowing, spraying (GRAZON PC + ET) and no treatment indicated that rootplowed areas provided the majority of selected crude protein (CP) and digestible organic matter (DOM) during the first half of the growing season but shifted to sprayed areas in the fall and untreated areas in the winter. These shifts in area use were in response to greatest harvestable green forage per area. A diversity of habitats is critical to maintain nutritional stability of cattle. Additional studies have indicated that dietary CP on OMD of free roaming cattle on large landscapes can be predicted with reasonable accuracy by scanning fecal samples with near infrared spectrophotometry (e.g. R for DOM = .85). Two landscape use models for cattle are being developed, one involves geographical information systems and use of optimization theory while the other approach involves
modeling on a physiological basis with behavioral decision rules.
Impacts
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Publications
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Progress 01/01/87 to 12/30/87
Outputs
High stock density grazing associated with rotational grazing minimizes potential nutrient concentration of cattle diets. When grazing pressure is applied cattle select diets high in crude protein and digestible organic matter in herbicide treated or rootplow/seeded w/buffelgrass pastures. When grazed herbage residue falls below 500 kg/ha in Prospis-Acacia shrublands, cattle cannot sustain dry matter intake regardless of rang site of brush treatment. A calibration set has been developed for diet quality analysis of extrusa samples collected in Prosopis-Acacia shrublands using near infrared spectrophotometry. Prediction for crude protein and digestible organic matter resulted in R of .95 and .89 for crude protein and digestible organic matter, respectively. As ecological condition of rangelands in Prosopis-Acacia shrublands decline, grass species with more defoliation sensitivity to fall grazing and exhibition of grazing advoidance mechanisms in the spring come to
dominate the herbage layer. These species produce a large number of tillers in the fall, overwinter over 40% and initiate spring production with the previously fall produced tillers. Non-selective grazing systems could prove ecological unstable if rest periods not consider tillering patterns of major species.
Impacts
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Progress 01/01/86 to 12/30/86
Outputs
If increased diversity and productivity of grasses do not occur within the first5 years of brush treatments, nutritional stability of treated areas will not be enhanced. Forbs and highly palatable browse serve as primary buffering agents in maintaining nutrient intake of cattle only when grasses are limiting intake. Sites with high diversity of forbs and desirable browse have greater buffering capacity (nutritional stability) than sites with primary grass response. Primary benefits of heavily stocked short-duration grazing systems to nutrient intake of cattle only occurs during active growth periods. When growth rate is low nutrient intake is suppressed as stock rate increases. Diet quality increases as you increase stocking rate in short-duration grazing systems; however, sustained intakes are questionable when stocking rates are 20-40% above safe stocking levels. When herbage supply is limiting intake animals will expend greater effort in searching for new
feeding stations if forage quality is relatively high but tend to reduce grazing time and search effort and exploit local patches fully when forage quality is low. Studies on tillering dynamics of bunchgrass of varying successional status indicate that higher successional species can tolerate grazing even though they are classified as "decreaser" species while lower successional species are sensitive to heavy defoliation yet increase due to their "avoidance" growth strategies.
Impacts
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Publications
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Progress 01/01/85 to 12/30/85
Outputs
Mechanisms affecting nutrient intake and ingestive behavior of cattle were evaluated in short-duration grazing strategies (SDG). Increased stocking density and rate in SDG resulted in improved nutrient intake of steers for the active growth periods of the year when adequate standing crop had accumulated in the spring. However, when forage growth slowed or quiesced, increased stock densities and rates had a negative effect on nutrient intake when compared to proper rates of stocking in SDG or moderate continuous grazing. An electronic on-animal CMOS datalogger was developed to time-code biting, stepping and chewing of cattle in rapidly declining forage regimes. The data-logger has 8 analog I/O, 8 digital I/O, 6 interrupts and up to 2 Mb of CMOS RAM. Biting rate of cattle at a feeding station are season and grazing pressure insensitive. However, time allocated for searching between feeding stations declined and amount of time grazing at a feeding station increased
as season advanced. Animals alter search strategies in response to increased grazing pressure only in periods of active growth when forage quality is high. Apparently, animals cannot alter their ingestive behavior when high live/dead mixing occurs in the sward and fully exploit green forage at a feeding station before moving to a new feeding station. The number of unexploited feeding stations diminishes as stock density increases. This implies that grazing pressure in SDG systems should be reduced in periods of slow growth.
Impacts
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Progress 01/01/84 to 12/30/84
Outputs
Investigations on the effects of stocking rate on nutrient intake and tiller dynamics in a short-duration grazing system have been completed in the Post Oak Savannah of Texas. As stocking rate increases in a short-duration grazing system, diet quality (crude protein and organic matter digestibility) increases, particularly in the first half of the growing season. Organic matter intake decreases with increasing stocking rate. Nutrient intake is relatively stable up to 50% increases in stocking rate and thereafter decreases. During the first half of the growing season, increased stocking rate resulted in increased nutrient intake. After September, nutrient intake declined with increases in stocking rate. Increased levels of herbivory failed to stimulate leaf tissue production. Opportunities for improving harvest efficiency of leaf material only occurs during periods of rapid growth when leaf turnover rates are greater. As stocking rate is increased, selectivity
among and between species decreases. Morphological and phenological characteristics of associated species in conjunction with species herbage allowance, accounted for most of the variation associated with dietary selection.
Impacts
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Progress 01/01/83 to 12/30/83
Outputs
Factors affecting utilization patterns of grass plants in a short duration grazing system were closely related to phenological stage of the plant. When plants are initiating reproductive culms, the number of leaves per culm has the greatest influence on probability of grazing by cattle. When the summer dry period occurs, those plants with the greatest % live leaf length, have the greatest probability of being grazed. When plants are actively growing with mostly vegetative culms, those plants with the greatest total leaf length have the greatest probability of being grazed. Soil moisture conditions affect leaf extension and formation rate greater than defoliation. However, grazing has a greater impact on tillering rates. Increased stocking rate over recommnded levels resulted in an increase in diet quality and intake up to a level of 50% above normal stocked rates. Grazing time per hectare was generally greater under heavily stocked short duration grazing than heavy
continuous grazing, because selectivity patterns were less affected by constraints imposed by declining forage quality and distribution of green leaf material in the pasture in the SDG system. Burning was shown to improve rate of gain of steers during the winter on gulf cordgrass ranges. Burning also increased the diversity of species in the diet of animals. However, this diversity was within primary food groups. Dietary diversity between grasses, forbs and browse was reduced.
Impacts
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Progress 01/01/82 to 12/30/82
Outputs
This report represents initial findings during the first year of investigation. Much of the current findings are carryover projects from a recently terminated project. Primary emphasis of this research program has been on animal and vegetation dynamics associated with a new grazing system recently introduced from southern Africa--Short Duration Grazing. Basal cover changes of key grass species in a heavily stocked short duration grazing system has declined as low as 68% over the past four years. The lowest cover values were recorded the year following initiation of the grazing system. Drought and overgrazing were primary causal factors. Trends in vegetation indicate that basal cover is near pre-grazing system levels. However, the composition has changed. Little bluestem, a dominant decreaser, is 38% below initial levels, while brownseed paspalum is 126% of pre-grazing system levels. Brownseed paspalum is a pre-climax dominant and increaser species. These data
indicated that four years of short duration grazing systems stocked at levels double of those recommended for range condition improvement lead to vegetation of lower ecological order. Dietary DOM of cattle does not appear to be significantly effected by stocking rate levels up to double recommended rates during the first year of grazing in a short duration grazing system. Second year's dietary data appears to be developing strong dietary quality and intake impacts at the double and triple recommended stocking rates.
Impacts
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Progress 09/01/81 to 12/30/81
Outputs
Agriculture has progressed to a point where increasing production efficiency is our primary means of improving industry profitability. Refinement of management technique requires a knowledge of the dynamics of biological systems so that improvements in production efficiency can be realized. Research is needed which provides insight into those controlling factors most influencying productivity of livestock from a wide array of forage resources. The objectives of the research program are: To determine the interrelationship of stocking rate, grazing pressure and sward structure as they influence dietary intake, diet quality, diet composition, eating behavior and grazing efficiency of ruminants grazing importants forage resources. To develop new methodology for determination of critical dietary parameters associated with grazing in ruminants. Develop strategies for grazing of various forage resources ( rangeland, tame pasture and forage crops ) in either a single or
integrated manner based on projected livestock and economic responses. To date research findings are limited as the program was only recently iniated. However, data has been generated on animal diet quality, quantity and composition and forage production and losses as related to four stocking rates in replicated 16 pasture short duration grazing system.
Impacts
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