2020 Volume 66 Issue 1 Pages 1-7
To clarify the productivity of Sasa nipponica pasture, we conducted a cow-calf grazing study in the summer season. We determined the yearly changes in leaf mass, palatability and livestock weight of the pasture for six years. The leaf mass of the entire pasture increased yearly: the leaf mass of the predominant plant Sasa nipponica decreased, that of herbaceous plants increased slightly, and that of woody plants increased rapidly. We estimated the leaf mass available to cows from the mass of leaves found below the reachable height of cow’s mouth and the palatability of plants to cows. The available leaf mass in the first experimental year decreased by about half in the sixth experimental year. The grazing capacity of the pasture ranged from 168-200CD/ha. The weight of cows was almost maintained until the beginning of August, but it decreased thereafter. The daily gain of calves showed a value of more than 0.6kg for six years. It ranged 0.76-0.92kg until the beginning of August in the third year of use. In summer grazing, Sasa nipponica pasture has moderate livestock productivity until the beginning of August even in the sixth year.
