Intensive grazing boosts cow reproduction in Venezuelan highlands.
Researchers studied two grazing systems in Venezuela to see how they affected the growth and reproduction of cows. One system had high stocking rates and short grazing periods, while the other had lower stocking rates and longer grazing periods. The cows in the high stocking rate system gained more weight and had better quality forage, but the pasture had less total biomass and was more compacted. Both systems had similar levels of important nutrients in the plants. Overall, the cows in the high stocking rate system grew better because they had more good quality food available. More research is needed to understand the long-term effects on the plants, soil, and cows.