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Arroyo AI, Pueyo Y, Barrantes O, Alados CL. Interplay between Livestock Grazing and Aridity on the Ecological and Nutritional Value of Forage in Semi-arid Mediterranean Rangelands (NE Spain). ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 73:1005-1015. [PMID: 38300314 PMCID: PMC11024040 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-024-01939-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Rangeland-based livestock production constitutes a primary source of livelihood for many inhabitants of dryland regions. Their subsistence relies heavily on maintaining the productivity, biodiversity and services of these ecosystems. Harsh environmental conditions (e.g., drought) combined with land use intensification (e.g., overgrazing) make dryland ecosystems vulnerable and prone to degradation. However, the interplay between livestock grazing intensity and aridity conditions in driving the conservation and nutritional value of forage in arid and semi-arid rangelands is still not fully understood. In this study, we performed structural equation models (SEM) to assess the simultaneous direct and indirect effects of livestock grazing intensity and aridity level on community structure, diversity, biomass, forage production, forage C:N ratio and forage fiber composition in two semi-arid Mediterranean rangelands, NE Spain. Not surprisingly, we found that higher livestock grazing intensity led to lower community plant cover, especially when combined with higher aridity. However, both increasing grazing intensity and aridity were associated with higher forage production after one year of grazing exclusion. We did not find any adverse effect of livestock grazing on plant diversity, although plant species composition differed among grazing intensity levels. On the other hand, we found an aridity-driven trade-off in regard of the nutritional value of forage. Specifically, higher aridity was associated with a decrease in the least digestible fiber fraction (i.e., lignin) and an increase in forage C:N ratio. More interestingly, we found that livestock grazing modulated this trade-off by improving the overall forage nutritional value. Altogether, our results provide further insights into the management of semi-arid Mediterranean rangelands, pointing out that maintaining traditional rangeland-based livestock production may be a sustainable option as long as rangeland conservation (e.g., community plant cover) is not severely compromised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio I Arroyo
- Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología (IPE), CSIC, Av. Montañana 1005, 50059, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Yolanda Pueyo
- Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología (IPE), CSIC, Av. Montañana 1005, 50059, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Olivia Barrantes
- Departamento de Ciencias Agrarias y del Medio Natural, Facultad de Veterinaria (Universidad de Zaragoza), C/ Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón -IA2- (CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza), C/ Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Concepción L Alados
- Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología (IPE), CSIC, Av. Montañana 1005, 50059, Zaragoza, Spain
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Tu Y, Zhu Y, Yang X, Eldridge DJ. Predicted changes in distribution and grazing value of Stipa-based plant communities across the Eurasian steppe. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 356:120757. [PMID: 38537472 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
The Eurasian steppe is one of the world's largest continuous areas of grassland and has an important role in supporting livestock grazing, the most ubiquitous land use on Earth. However, the Eurasian steppe is under threat, from irrational grazing utilization, climate change, and resource exploitation. We used an ensemble modeling approach to predict the current and future distribution of Stipa-dominated plant communities in three important steppe subregions; the Tibetan Alpine, Central Asian, and Black Sea-Kazakhstan subregions. We combined this with an assessment of the grazing value of 22 Stipa species, the dominant grassland species in the area, to predict how grazing value might change under future climate change predictions. We found that the effects of changing climates on grazing values differed across the three subregions. Grazing values increased in the Tibetan alpine steppe and to a lesser extent in Central Asia, but there were few changes in the Black Sea-Kazakhstan subregion. The response of different species to changing climates varied with environmental variables. Finally, our trait-based assessment of Stipa species revealed variations in grazing value, and this had major effects on the overall grazing value of the region. Our results reinforce the importance of trait-based characteristics of steppe plant species, how these traits affect grazing value, and how grazing values will change across different areas of the Eurasian steppe. Our work provides valuable insights into how different species will respond to changing climates and grazing, with important implications for sustainable management of different areas of the vast Eurasian steppe ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Tu
- Institute of Desertification Studies, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China; Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China; School of Soil and Water Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yuanjun Zhu
- Institute of Desertification Studies, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China; Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China.
| | - Xiaohui Yang
- Institute of Desertification Studies, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China; Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
| | - David J Eldridge
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
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He D, Jin B, Zhao X, Cheng H, Chen C, Wang H, Zhang J, Zhang Y, Yang Q, Liu K, Han M, Li Z, Peng J. Karst grassland forage quality and its determinants in Guizhou Province of Southwest China. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15323. [PMID: 37214107 PMCID: PMC10198152 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Forage quality is a key property of grassland ecosystems. In this study, grassland forage qualities were measured at 373 sampling sites throughout Guizhou Province in the karst mountain region of Southwest China, and the factors affecting it were explored. The forage quality level of most plant species was categorized into four levels: (1) preferred forage species; (2) desirable forage species; (3) consumed but undesirable forage species; and (4) non-consumable or toxic forage species. High temperature and precipitation appeared to facilitate the growth of preferred forage species, but limited the growth of other plants. Increasing soil pH had a positive impact on the number and biomass of preferred forage plants, but a negative influence on other plants, especially non-consumable or toxic plants. Both GDP and population density had a positive correlation with the number and biomass of preferred forage species, while such correlations for other levels of forage species tended to be negative. Grazing could lead to a decrease in the preferred forage species. Therefore, it is suggested that by focusing on soil improvement in grassland and maintaining an appropriate grazing intensity, global warming and rapid economic growth in Guizhou Province will likely contribute to increase the forage quality of karst grasslands in Southwest China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengming He
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Baocheng Jin
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Xuechun Zhao
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Hua Cheng
- School of Tourism, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Chao Chen
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Huanhuan Wang
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Jinping Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yaoyao Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Qin Yang
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Kun Liu
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Min Han
- Guizhou Institute of Natural Resources Survey and Planning, Guizhou Department of Natural Resources, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Zhongcai Li
- Guizhou Institute of Natural Resources Survey and Planning, Guizhou Department of Natural Resources, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Jing Peng
- Guizhou Institute of Natural Resources Survey and Planning, Guizhou Department of Natural Resources, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
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Fenetahun Y, You Y, Fentahun T, Xinwen X, Yong-Dong W. Effects of grazing intensity on forage nutritive value of dominant grass species in Borana rangelands of Southern Ethiopia. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12204. [PMID: 34721964 PMCID: PMC8542370 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Forage nutritive value analysis is an essential indicator of rangeland status regarding degradation and livestock nutrient demand. Thus, it is used to maintain healthy and sustainable rangelands that can provide the livestock with sufficient quantity and quality of forage. This study is conducted with the aim of investigating the effects of grazing intensity combined with seasonal variation on the nutritive values of dominant grass species in the Teltele rangeland. Methods The studied area is classified into no-grazed, moderately grazed, and overgrazed plots based on the estimated potential carrying capacity. Sampling data is collected during both rainy and dry seasons. The collected forage samples are analyzed for concentrations of crude protein (CP), acid detergent organic fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), ash, dry matter digestibility (DMD), potential dry matter intake (DMI), and relative feed/forage value (RFV). Results The results show significant (P < 0.05) effects of both grazing intensity and season to grazing intensity interactions on all forage nutrient content concentrations across all grass species both within and between treatments. The recorded CP concentrations of all grass species are high in the overgrazed site and low at the no-grazed site, while the fiber concentration is high in NG and low in OG. RFV data also varies greatly, with high value recorded in OG in the rainy season and low value found in NG mainly during the dry season. As a result, it is recommended that moderate grazing should be practiced on the study site to maintain the quality and quantity of forage and to manage it in a sustainable manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeneayehu Fenetahun
- University of China Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,National Engineering Technology Research Center for Desert-Oasis Ecological Construction, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - Yuan You
- National Engineering Technology Research Center for Desert-Oasis Ecological Construction, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - Tihunie Fentahun
- College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Mekdela Amba University, Tulu Awuliya, Ethiopia
| | - Xu Xinwen
- National Engineering Technology Research Center for Desert-Oasis Ecological Construction, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - Wang Yong-Dong
- National Engineering Technology Research Center for Desert-Oasis Ecological Construction, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, China
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Koidou M, Mountousis I, Dotas V, Zagorakis K, Yiakoulaki M. Temporal variations of herbage production and nutritive value of three grasslands at different elevation zones regarding grazing needs and welfare of ruminants. Arch Anim Breed 2019; 62:215-226. [PMID: 31807632 PMCID: PMC6853133 DOI: 10.5194/aab-62-215-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Interannual and monthly variations of herbage production and nutritive value
regarding grazing ruminants' needs and welfare were evaluated in three
grasslands (semi-mountainous, mountainous and sub-alpine) located at
different altitudes (480–900, 901–1500 and 1501–2334 m,
respectively) in northern Greece during 2015–2016. Herbage biomass was
collected from 30 experimental cages (10 per grassland), weighed, dried at
65 ∘C, milled and analyzed for crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid
detergent fiber (ADF), lignin, calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) content
and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). The sub-alpine grassland was the most
productive (1031 and 1231 kg DM ha-1) with the
highest mean annual herbage CP content (93 and 87 g kg-1
dry matter; DM) for 2015 and 2016, respectively. CP content was sufficient to meet small
ruminants' and beef cattle maintenance requirements until April and May in
the semi-mountainous and mountainous grasslands, respectively, while it
could cover the above requirements in the sub-alpine grassland until June and
August, respectively. The herbage Ca concentration was higher than the
grazing ruminants' needs, while the phosphorus concentration was
insufficient. Protein and phosphorus supplementation should be provided to
animals to cover their maintenance requirements during the whole period and
to reach high levels of welfare. Even though grazing is considered as a
welfare-friendly procedure, it is uncertain whether all the welfare
principals are satisfied in extensive production systems due to variations
of forage availability and nutritive value as well as the lack of
infrastructure in grasslands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Koidou
- Department of Animal Production, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Mountousis
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Technological Educational Institute of Western Macedonia, Terma Kontopoulou 53100 Florina, Greece
| | - Vassilios Dotas
- Hellenic Agricultural Organization "Demeter", Research Institute of Animal Science, 58100 Giannitsa, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Zagorakis
- Department of Animal Production, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Yiakoulaki
- Department of Range and Wildlife Science, School of Forestry and Natural Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
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