The use of simulation in the study of grazing management problems : a thesis ... Master of Agricultural Science ... Massey University of Manawatu.

Abstract

Grazing Management is a large and integral part of farm management in New Zealand. It involves the making and implementing of all the decisions relating to the grazing of animals. This is a complex management function which necessitates the assessment and integration of a large number of factors. Grazing Management involves decisions relating to all aspects of

pasture production, its utilization by grazing animals, and the efficiency with which these animals convert the pasture ingested into useful livestock products. Many factors are involved. These include soil type, pasture composition, fertilizer, type, age and number of livestock, grazing method, and the influence of season. Many of these factors interact with each other. Pasture production for instance, is influenced by the number of stock present, and the grazing method. Equally, livestock intakes and productions depend on pasture availability and composition. These interactions are a major influence in grazing management. The timing of events is also important in grazing management. Many decisions depend for their effectiveness on being made and implemented at the "right" time. Fertilizer applied in the spring or autumn, for example, is of more value in stimulating pasture growth and if applied in the slower growing periods of summer or winter. [From Introduction]