PSV-4 Confinement Influenced the Diurnal Behavior and Distribution Pattern of Katahdin Rams and Kiko Wethers in Southern-pine Silvopastures.

摘要

Use of suitable grazing animals is crucial for successfully managing silvopastures. Previous studies with Kiko wethers rotationally stocked in southern-pine silvopastures showed a significant debarking of 10-11-year-old pine trees. There is a need to identify suitable animals and management strategies to protect trees in silvopastures. The objectives of the study were to 1) determine the effect of confinement on diurnal behavior and distribution pattern of Katahdin rams and Kiko wethers in southern-pine silvopastures, and 2) evaluate the animal-species difference in utilizing silvopastures and other grazing lands. The study site consisted of three silvopasture plots (0.4-ha each) with longleaf ( Mill.) and loblolly ( L.) pines, and wooded area (1.6-ha) and open space (0.35-ha) located outside the silvopasture plots. Silvopasture plots were divided into two to three subplots, and different combinations of cool-season forages were grown in the subplots. Diurnal behavior and distribution pattern of Kiko wethers (n=6; 61.5 ± 1.58 kg BW) and Katahdin rams (n=6; 72.7 ± 4.80 kg BW) were monitored in two sets of studies: 1) animals were rotationally stocked in three silvopasture plots with confinement (plot-gate closed), and 2) the same study was repeated with non-confinement (plot-gate open), allowing animals’ access to wooded area and open space. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum test in R-package (p<0.05). Rams did not debark pine trees irrespective of confinement. They spent less time (17%) grazing (p<0.05) and stayed out of the silvopasture plots for a significant period (42%) with non-confinement. Wethers showed some debarking (2%) of pine trees with confinement, but none without confinement. With non-confinement, wethers’ grazing time decreased (53%) (p<0.0001), browsing time increased (48x) (p<0.0001), and distribution outside the silvopasture plots remained significant (73%). Rams were found safe to use in southern-pine silvopastures; however, non-confinement would be necessary while using wethers to safeguard pine trees.