The effects of feeding Master Graze (MG) on dairy cows productivity and nutrient digestibility were evaluated in experiment 1. Sixteen cows were divided into 4 groups and fed treatment diets for 4 consecutive periods. Cows on the control diet were fed a diet with corn silage and alfalfa hay as forage source (1:1; DM basis). For treatment groups, the MG substituted the forage mix at 16, 33 and 50%. The feeding of MG at the three tested levels had no effects on feed intake, milk production or milk composition. The apparent digestibility of DM, OM, NDF and CP were higher in cows fed the MG. In experiment 2, the effects of maturity and preservation method on MG nutrient composition and digestibility were evaluated. The MG was harvested at 3 maturity levels and then preserved using oven-dried, ensiled, or freeze dried. In general, the MG digestibility and nutritional quality was higher in the first cut and with the freeze dried preservation method.

Differentials between rancher costs of operating on private and public range were studied in an attempt to define market areas for livestock grazing in western United States. The problem of defining market areas is basically a problem of grouping differentials between rancher costs of grazing on private leased range and National Forests that are reasonably homogeneous and statistically testing differences among means of the different groups. Several methods were used to group forests with reasonably uniform differentials into market areas for cattle. A grouping of forests which have the same ave rage grazing fee does not, however, yield market areas which are statistically different from each other.

A comparative index to digestible nutrients was established for Russian wildrye, crested wheatgrass, and intermediate wheatgrass seeded on foothill areas of Utah. The nutritive values of these grasses were compared by the lignin ratio method, the chlorophyllan ratio method, and the in vivo rumen bag process. Average digestion coefficients computed by the lignin ratio method for dry matter, ether extract, cellulose, and gross energy were highest for intermediate wheatgrass. Protein was more digestible for Russian wildrye. Digestible energy was adequate in all species to meet requirements for late lactation. Results from the chlorophyllan ratio method were excessively high and were not considered valid. Dry matter loss of Russian Wildrye was greater than losses from either of the wheatgrasses. Losses of dry matter due to 24-hour in vivo rumen fermentation and rinsing only of nylon bags were closely correlated.

The Mogale’s Gate Biodiversity Centre is a 3 060 ha reserve located within the Gauteng province. The area comprises grassland with woodland patches in valleys and lower-lying areas. To develop a scientifically based management plan a detailed vegetation study was undertaken to identify and describe the different ecosystems present. From a TWINSPAN classification twelve plant communities, which can be grouped into nine major communities, were identified. A classification and description of the plant communities, as well as, a management plan are presented. The area comprises 80% grassland and 20% woodland with 109 different plant families. The centre has a grazing capacity of 5.7 ha/LSU with a moderate to good veld condition. From the results of this study it is clear that the area makes a significant contribution towards carbon storage with a total of 0.520 tC/ha/yr stored in all the plant communities. / Environmental Sciences / M.Sc. (Environmental Management)

The Mogale’s Gate Biodiversity Centre is a 3 060 ha reserve located within the Gauteng province. The area comprises grassland with woodland patches in valleys and lower-lying areas. To develop a scientifically based management plan a detailed vegetation study was undertaken to identify and describe the different ecosystems present. From a TWINSPAN classification twelve plant communities, which can be grouped into nine major communities, were identified. A classification and description of the plant communities, as well as, a management plan are presented. The area comprises 80% grassland and 20% woodland with 109 different plant families. The centre has a grazing capacity of 5.7 ha/LSU with a moderate to good veld condition. From the results of this study it is clear that the area makes a significant contribution towards carbon storage with a total of 0.520 tC/ha/yr stored in all the plant communities. / Environmental Sciences / M.Sc. (Environmental Management)