Mohammad Abolghasemi; Hannaneh Mohammadi Kangarani; Hosein Azarnivand; Mohammadali Emami Meybodi
Volume 28, Issue 1 , April 2021, , Pages 118-128
Abstract
Rangelands are composed of different plant species with different vegetative characteristics that have a certain grazing value. Hence, the grazing livestock also shows a special grazing behavior according to it. Without knowing these behaviors, planning and managing rangelands and livestock ...
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Rangelands are composed of different plant species with different vegetative characteristics that have a certain grazing value. Hence, the grazing livestock also shows a special grazing behavior according to it. Without knowing these behaviors, planning and managing rangelands and livestock is not possible. This research was carried out on camel herds in the rangelands of the Tabas desert from 2015 to 2017. Parameters such as grazing time, rest time, livestock movement time, distance traveled, and livestock movement speed were examined by GPS. The results showed that in spring, summer, fall, and winter, grazing time, livestock movement time, distance traveled, livestock movement speed at (p < /em><0.01), and rest time at (p < /em><0.05) were significantly different. The highest grazing time (342 minutes), rest time (119 minutes), and distance traveled (21.66 km) by camels in the studied rangelands were in summer and the lowest in winter. The highest speed (2.12 km/h) and travel time (359 minutes) were in spring and the lowest in winter. Therefore, knowing the mentioned parameters will help the rangeland management in determining the appropriate time for the camel to move in the rangeland and will increase the livestock performance.
Seyed Mohammadreza Habibian; Hosein Barani; Ahmad Abedi Sarvestani
Volume 26, Issue 3 , September 2019, , Pages 551-569
Abstract
In order to determine and prioritize the most effective factors on grazing management in Qashqai Nomads’ ecosystem (Shesh Boluki tribe), sampling was done by selecting 405 households (using Cochran formula) from nomad exploiters and 45 individuals from experts with experiences in migration and ...
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In order to determine and prioritize the most effective factors on grazing management in Qashqai Nomads’ ecosystem (Shesh Boluki tribe), sampling was done by selecting 405 households (using Cochran formula) from nomad exploiters and 45 individuals from experts with experiences in migration and grazing management in Fars and Bushehr provinces in 2015 and 2016. The survey used descriptive participant observation with questionnaires and interviews. In this study, the viewpoints of two statistical groups were obtained through Likert scale (five-point scale) and then the analysis was done using nonparametric tests including Mann Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis test. he result showed a significant difference between the viewpoints of exploiters and experts regarding prioritization of effective factors on elements and sub elements of grazing management (P<0.01). The result from integration of exploiters and experts viewpoints showed that effective factors on the element of grazing time were consisted of decreasing in precipitation and frequent drought, early cold weather in summer rangelands, early warm weather in winter rangelands, sufficient foliage in rangeland, water scarcity in winter rangelands; element of spatial distribution of grazing was included of role of shepherd in herd movements and distribution of watering points in rangeland; element of type and composition of herd were consisted of topographical condition, distance from watering point, climate variability and frequent droughts, and also element of livestock number was consisted of exploiter’s livelihood, drought and climate variability and inter-annual precipitation. In general, a more homogenous answer was observed between expert viewpoints.
Mohammad Fayaz; Seyed Hamid Habibian; Hasan Yeganeh; Anvar Sanaie; Mohammadjavad Mahdavi
Volume 26, Issue 1 , June 2019, , Pages 174-186
Abstract
The knowledge of livestock grazing behavior is one of the effective factors in rangeland management. This research was carried out in order to recognize the sheep grazing behavior in the rangelands of Cheshmeh Anjir, Fars province, during the years 2007-2010.The indicators assessed ...
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The knowledge of livestock grazing behavior is one of the effective factors in rangeland management. This research was carried out in order to recognize the sheep grazing behavior in the rangelands of Cheshmeh Anjir, Fars province, during the years 2007-2010.The indicators assessed in this research included the daily distance traveled by livestock, average livestock movement, speed, and the time spent grazing. To determine these parameters, a GPS device was used and attached on the back of a 4- year old ewe using a special belt. Thus, after the start of grazing in the rangeland, the GPS was activated and then its data were extracted using mode track in ILWIS software at the end of the day. Data analysis was done in a completely randomized block design method using SAS software. The results of the study years showed that the average livestock movement speed and the daily distance traveled by livestock were significant at 1% and 5% levels, respectively; however, the time spent grazing did not show significant differences. Also, the results of study months showed that the average livestock movement speed was significant at 5% level and the daily distance traveled by livestock and the time spent grazing were not significant. According to the results, August 2008 with the mean value of 4 m/s and June 2009 with the mean value of 29 m/s had the lowest and highest average livestock movement speed, respectively; however, June 2009 with the mean value of 4.2 m/s and August 2008 with the mean value of 15.4 m/s had the lowest and highest distance traveled by livestock, respectively. The knowledge of mentioned factors will help rangeland management to determine the appropriate time for livestock moving and will increase livestock performance.
Ghader Karimi; Hasan Yeghaneh; Mehdi Moameri; Mahmoud Goudarzi
Volume 21, Issue 2 , August 2014, , Pages 295-306
Abstract
In order to understanding of the grazing cycle and grazing behavior at different slopes of Kordan rangelands, the grazing behavior of Fashandy breed sheep was investigated for four years. Parameters examined in this study included daily distance traveled by livestock, livestock path in the ...
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In order to understanding of the grazing cycle and grazing behavior at different slopes of Kordan rangelands, the grazing behavior of Fashandy breed sheep was investigated for four years. Parameters examined in this study included daily distance traveled by livestock, livestock path in the rangeland considering the slope, livestock speed (mean, maximum and minimum) and the time spent for livestock rest and movement per day. To determine the parameters, Garmin GPS was used on the back of a 4-year-old ewe using a special belt. After livestock exit from the fold, GPS was active and at the end of the day all recorded data were extracted by Mod-track in Ilwis software. The livestock path was determined by shepherd. Results showed that during the first month of grazing season and when vegetation was more, the distance traveled by livestock was less than that of other months. In addition, the maximum and minimum distances traveled by livestock were obtained at slopes of 30-60% and less than 15%, respectively. According to the results of grazing behavior during the months of grazing season, maximum and minimum livestock speed were recorded in July and in May and June, respectively. Therefore, the grazing program in similar areas could be managed at different slopes using the obtained results in this study.