Abstract:
Three stocking densities (20, 40, and 60 sheep/ha) were applied in four stocking periods
(0, 2, 4, and 6 weeks) on a Medicago truncatula cv. Paraggio pasture. Treatments were arranged
in a split plot system and compared through a completely randomised block design
with four replications.Grazing period had a significant effect (P<0.001) on availability
of both medic and other species separately. Total available forage (medic and other
species) was significantly affected by both stocking density (P<0.05) and grazing period
(P<0.001) and there was a significant interaction between stocking density and grazing
period (P<0.001). Grazing period was the only factor affecting the cumulative forage production
of medic and other species. Stocking density and grazing period both had significant
effects on total cumulative pasture production. Pod production significantly decreased
as grazing period increased. More seeds per pod were observed at low stocking
density as compared with other densities. There was a dramatic reduction in seed production
as grazing period increased (P<0.05).
