Recovery of Pasture Forage Production Following Winter Rest in Continuous and Rotational Horse Grazing Systems

Winter rest is commonly recommended to aid in re-growth of spring forage in horse pastures. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of previous grazing method [continuous (CON) vs. rotational (ROT)] on recovery of pasture production following a period of winter grazing exclusion. Pasture forage yield, persistence, and quality were assessed monthly in two horse pastures, one CON and one ROT, from April to August 2017. Herbage mass was greater in ROT in May (ROT 2,701.8 ± 176.0; CON 1,439.0 ±155.06 kg/ha; P = .0008), June (ROT 3,778 ± 21.59; CON 2,507.0 ± 274.7 kg/ha; P = .0007), and July (ROT 4,755.8 ± 263.1; CON 3,627.8 ± 318.66 kg/ha; P = .0053), while sward height only differed by grazing system in May (ROT 21.87 ±0.68; CON 13.02 ±0.68 cm; P
Source: Journal of Equine Veterinary Science - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Tags: Original Research Source Type: research