By Roelof Bezuidenhout
Veld management systems range from relatively simple three-camp setups to complex systems that require specialised knowledge and expertise. All these systems aim to balance the physiological needs of the vegetation with the grazing requirements of livestock, incorporating both controlled selective grazing and non-selective grazing.
Non-selective grazing, as the name suggests, encourages animals to graze all available plant species in a camp by increasing stocking density per hectare and implementing long rest periods. Merino sheep are highly selective feeders, favouring shorter vegetation, whereas goats will eat just about anything and can reach high into trees.
In holistic resource management, grazing periods are kept short and hoof action is intensified due to high stocking density – as much as 400 LSU (large stock units) on just 2 hectares per day. Rest periods should last at least 150 days, though this duration depends on factors such as rainfall, carrying capacity and the specific grazing system in use. Ultra-high-density grazing takes this concept further, concentrating even more animals in smaller areas for only a few hours at a time.
One advantage of this system is that a significant portion of the land remains rested, as animals are concentrated in a small section for a short period. In general, the fewer flocks or herds you have and the more camps available, the more veld can be rested at any one time. Ideally, camps should not be grazed in the same season over consecutive years. Also, grazing grassveld in winter, the dormant season, does less harm than grazing it while it is actively growing.
Here are a few systems:
1. Three camps – a simple set-up
In the basic three-camp system, animals rotate slowly through the camps, with grazing periods lasting up to three months and rest periods up to six months. A camp is only re-grazed after a three-year rotation.
2. Group camp
A group camp system combines the basic three-camp and multi-camp approaches. It requires at least 15 camps, which are divided into two or three groups based on veld type and grazing capacity. For example, mountain veld, hilly veld, water courses, and plains are managed separately. Each group of camps is used or rested in a way that ensures different groups get rest at different times of the year, following a three-year cycle.
3. Multi-camp
In a multi-camp system, the focus is on grazing intensity. Relatively short grazing periods of one to three weeks prevent overuse of regrowth. At least six camps per herd are needed. Some farmers follow the controlled selective grazing (CSG) approach, whereas others prefer the non-selective grazing (NSG) method.
CSG is also called high-production utilisation because of the view that it results in better animal production than NSG. The basic principle here is that the palatable grasses are grazed only moderately, while the unpalatable plants are not grazed at all and eventually die out because they are not stimulated.
NSG is also known as high-utilisation grazing. Here, the focus is on short grazing periods and long rests. This requires a high stocking density and many camps. An NSG system works best in homogenous veld – for example, where grass is the main fodder.
4. High density, short duration
Here, the grazing period is one to three days to increase grazing pressure. The aim is to ensure that palatable plant species are grazed only once during a grazing event. This system requires a large number of camps, sometimes laid out in a wagon-wheel configuration to simplify watering and stock management. In a high-density system the idea is to graze down all plants, including the less tasty ones that are usually not grazed. Some farmers prefer to trample sourveld rather than burning it to reduce dead plant material and stimulate new growth.
5. Fodder bank
The concept of giving veld a full season’s rest is gaining in popularity. This is known as the fodder flow or fodder bank grazing system. As in the group camp system, the available grazing is divided into three or four groups of camps with similar veld. Longer controlled grazing periods are used in such a way that one-third or even half of the farm can get a full growing season’s rest, from the first spring growth until the first frost.
In addition to providing a fodder bank, a long rest allows plants and their roots to fully recover and regain their vigour. Poorly developed root systems make veld more vulnerable to moisture stress. The more homogenous and ‘sweeter’ the veld, the greater the benefit of a long rest. However, some farmers are cautious about rest periods that are too long, arguing that a six-month rest during the active growing season is sufficient.
Other considerations
With animal welfare in mind, when considering a grazing system farmers must also consider providing shelter from extreme heat and cold. Animals should have the freedom to move into shade or seek shelter when needed, and some grazing camps may offer neither. This is particularly important in mid-summer, when extreme heat can set animals back. If possible, provide artificial shade or plant trees.
Communal or small livestock farmers who rely on veld (natural grazing) will find it hard to maintain a rotational system due to limited space, lack of fencing, and insufficient water points – each camp should obviously have its own water troughs. But some researchers argue that continuous light grazing may not be as detrimental as it is sometimes made out to be. The key is not to overload the veld. The movement of livestock can also be managed by herders who understand the principles of veld management, ensuring that the animals don’t overgraze specific areas. This approach requires co-operation among all the farmers using the commonage.
The value of high-density grazing is still a subject of debate. Some researchers argue that it could cause more harm than good, particularly in terms of soil compaction, soil structure and biodiversity. This system can certainly cause problems in more arid areas with unreliable rainfall, as the veld may remain dry by the time all the camps have been grazed, leaving no veld reserves. Then the whole concept of the system collapses. Of course, there is no need to use high-density grazing on the entire farm; it can be used only in areas where it would be most effective while using other grazing systems on the rest of the land.
Bushveld and shrubveld grow differently from grassveld, and provide good grazing for browsers like goats and certain species of game, such as kudu. The plants in these areas are typically more drought-resistant and have longer growth cycles, which must be considered when developing a grazing strategy.
Often, it is best to use this type of veld with a mixed herd of sheep, cattle, goats and game – whichever combination thrives best in your area. While managing multiple species requires extra attention due to their different grazing and browsing habits, it can be more profitable than farming a single type of livestock. Apart from the Karoo, nutritious green leaves are usually scarce in winter, making some kind of supplement necessary. In the Karoo, shrubs remain green through winter if there has been sufficient rainfall, even in frosty conditions.
Veld improvement requires active management, but in much of our dry country, rainfall is the primary factor. Good seasons make veld management easier, while drought can present setbacks. But never give up, because this is a long-term undertaking.
Also read: Licks can be dangerous
 | Roelof Bezuidenhout is a fourth-generation wool, mohair, mutton and game farmer and freelance journalist. Attended Free State University, majoring in animal husbandry and pasture science. Other interests include golf, photography and geology. |
