Page 130 - Agriculture_Form_Three

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

Cattle, sheep and goats under traditional rearing method/approach are grazed using
this system. They receive nearly all their feeds from the rangelands. In many places
land is set for grazing away from the land for crop production and settlements.
This method has mostly resulted in overgrazing because the number of animals is
not restricted. This system is frequently associated with overgrazing, high mortality
and conflicts between livestock and crop farmers. The general performance of these

animals is poor.
Advantages of continuous grazing feeding system
(a) It is a cheaper feeding system.
(b) It requires less labour.

(c) It is suitable for ranching.
(d) It allows the animal to select the best forage.

Challenges of grazing feeding system
(a) Pastures are trampled and hence not efficiently utilised.
(b) Animals may contract diseases and parasites from the pastures
(c) Drinking water can be easily soiled or water sources destroyed. Provision of
water in the pastures may also be difficult.
(d) There is a possibility of energy loss through walking.

(e) Provision of supplementary feeding is not easy.
(f) Animals are exposed to natural catastrophes such as storms and strong sun rays.

(g) Prone to thefts and predators.
(h) Selective utilisation of forage makes forage utilisation inefficient.

Rotational grazing system

This system of grazing involves dividing the grazing area into several paddocks.
Each paddock is then grazed in sequence throughout the grazing period. Depending
on the financial ability of the farmer, the paddocks can be fenced by planting a hedge

of close growing shrubs or barbed wire. In large-scale farmers, an electric fence may
also be used, however it is expensive. Figure 5. 15 shows a section of pasture with
paddocks.

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