Volume 13, Issue 2 (7-2019)
مرتع 2019, 13(2): 285-293 |
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Arzani H, Nikkhah A, Motamedi J, Ghorbani M. Animal unit for small grazing animals in rangelands. مرتع 2019; 13 (2) :285-293
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-750-en.html
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-750-en.html
Department of Arid and Mountains Regions Reclamation, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj
Abstract: (5406 Views)
Abstract:
Determination of animal unit, is one of the essential requirements for calculating the grazing capacity. For the purpose of this study, 24 breeds of sheep, significantly dominant and well distributed across the climatic regions, were identified. Two herds were selected from available flocks in each region. Randomly, 30 livestock from each herd at different ages and sex were selected and weighed in different seasons. Using cluster analysis, and on the basis of the average adult weight of races, animal unit size was determined. From the ratio of metabolic weight of sheep breeds to metabolic weight of livestock unit the conversion factor (equivalent of animal units) of each breed was calculated. Then on based of puberty weight breeds were put into three separate weight groups (light, medium and heavy). The average weight of races was found to be 50 kg. Accordingly, an animal unit for small grazing dry and non-pregnant livestock is reported as 50 kg. The conversion coefficient of 0.7, 1 and 1.3, were used to calculate the light, medium and heavy body size classes of animals compared to the animal unit weight respectively. The daily requirement for an animal unit estimated as 6.80 MJ. using MAFF (1984) equation. A value of 30-80 percent must be added to the calculated value considering the topographic conditions, distance from water sources and animal daily orbit to/from resting area which requires more energy, in various climate conditions.
Determination of animal unit, is one of the essential requirements for calculating the grazing capacity. For the purpose of this study, 24 breeds of sheep, significantly dominant and well distributed across the climatic regions, were identified. Two herds were selected from available flocks in each region. Randomly, 30 livestock from each herd at different ages and sex were selected and weighed in different seasons. Using cluster analysis, and on the basis of the average adult weight of races, animal unit size was determined. From the ratio of metabolic weight of sheep breeds to metabolic weight of livestock unit the conversion factor (equivalent of animal units) of each breed was calculated. Then on based of puberty weight breeds were put into three separate weight groups (light, medium and heavy). The average weight of races was found to be 50 kg. Accordingly, an animal unit for small grazing dry and non-pregnant livestock is reported as 50 kg. The conversion coefficient of 0.7, 1 and 1.3, were used to calculate the light, medium and heavy body size classes of animals compared to the animal unit weight respectively. The daily requirement for an animal unit estimated as 6.80 MJ. using MAFF (1984) equation. A value of 30-80 percent must be added to the calculated value considering the topographic conditions, distance from water sources and animal daily orbit to/from resting area which requires more energy, in various climate conditions.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2019/07/9 | Accepted: 2019/07/9 | Published: 2019/07/9
Received: 2019/07/9 | Accepted: 2019/07/9 | Published: 2019/07/9
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