Adjustment of suckler sheep management to a decrease of stocking rate: example in middle mountain

The results of two long-term studies investigating the effect of suckling e we stocking rate on show that when the stocking rate of pastures is signifi cantly decreased (1.2; 0.85; and 0.6 LSU.ha(-1)) by increasing the surface area, the input of nitrogen fertilizer and concentrate feedstuffs can be re duced. Successful herd management maintained a high breeding rate (1.6 lamb s/ewe/year), while preserving the pasture land over the whole area. However , at 0.6 LSU.ha(-1) the difference between the available food and the needs of the flock results in the pasture being consumed at a lower rate (37% co mpared with 61% at 1.2 and 0.85 LSU.ha(-1)). Under these conditions, the ri sk of rapid deterioration of the pasture land is high. Changes to the repro duction calendar produced an increase in the amount of pasture consumed (fa rming exclusively outside and winter grazing), which reduced but not elimin ated the risk of rapid pasture deterioration. The results indicate that on pastures where grazing pressure is lowest, there will be a reduction in the quality of the pasture and an increase in scrub. (C) Elsevier/Inra.