Effects of sheep grazing on the productivity, species changes andsuccession in native forages under mango

C. P. Chen and G. Khairuddin

Abstract

The 4-month distinct dry season in the agro-climatic zone No. 1 in the north of Peninsular Malaysia has posed a problem on forage resources deficit to grazing animals. High stocking rates of 17 and 21 sheep/ha were detrimental to the persistency of native forages in a young mango plantation. However, at a lower stocking rate of 11 sheep/ha the area was able to maintain the forage dry matter at 1 000 kg/ha. The balance of botanical composition in grass and legume in the forage sward was disturbed by sheep resulting in increased population of monocotyledon grasses. The subsequent succession of grasses such as Pennisetum polystachion and an unidentified indigenous Brachiaria  sp., in the system was due to their agronomic characters of profuse seed setting and aggressive growth in low moisture soil and harsh environments.

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