The Ecology and Management of Grazing Systems - Softcover

Hodgson, John; Illius, Andrew W

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0851993028 ISBN 13: 9780851993027

Publisher: CABI, 1998

Synopsis

The understanding and management of land resources used by grazing animals are of major importance to ecologists and agricultural and environmental scientists. This book fills a major gap in the market by synthesising a range of perspectives on grazing systems, drawn from plant science, animal science and ecology. It outlines the principles of herbage growth and competition; of animal nutrition and grazing behavior; and of the interactions of plant and animal factors that are central to an understanding of grazing systems. Chapters on the management of grazing systems cover both intensive and extensive systems (including rangelands) from all major agroecological zones of the world.

The book is written by leading authorities from the USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Israel and France. It represents a major contribution to the literature for advanced students and research workers concerned with plant science (especially grasslands), animal science (especially ruminants), and natural and agricultural ecosystems.

About this title

About the Author:

J. Hodgson, Department of Plant Science, Massey University. A. W. Illius, Institute of Cell, Animal and Population Biology, University of Edinburgh.

Review:

"As greater demands for food production are placed on a limited land base, it becomes increasingly urgent to improve grazing management for the efficient and sustainable production of livestock. It is important not only to maximize meat production but to conserve the forage resource. This requires a fundamental understanding of the processes of grazing and response of the plant. This collection of edited chapters addresses many of the principles affecting the interactions between plants and animals on pasture. It does this in 14 chapters partitioned into three parts focusing on plants, animals, and their integration in population dynamics and grazing systems. . . . The strengths of the book are its emphasis on basic concepts that are often generalized with the use of conceptual models or hypotheses. . . . [T]he book makes a good text for advanced courses in grassland ecology and an excellent reference for use by professionals."--Journal of Environmental Quality

About this edition

• Publisher: CABI
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0851993028
• ISBN 13: 9780851993027
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 480