Methods for Measuring Pasture Grass Yield and Calculating Sheep Carrying Capacity

(1) Grass yield measurement

The grass yield of pasture land is affected by factors such as season, climate, variety, and grazing utilization patterns. Measuring pasture grass yield is of great significance for determining a reasonable sheep carrying capacity.

The quadrat sampling method can be used. The method takes the grass cut from 1 sq m of pasture land as one quadrat; at least 10 quadrats are sampled in each grazing subplot, 10-20 quadrats are sampled in each major area, and 50-100 quadrats are needed for desert-type pasture land. Divide the total grass yield of the quadrats (kg) by the actual number of quadrats sampled, then multiply by 10000 to calculate the grass yield per hectare of pasture land (kg). The calculation formula is:

Grass yield per hectare (kg) = total grass yield of all quadrats (kg) / actual number of quadrats sampled x 10000

Where: 10000 is the number of square meters per hectare of pasture land.

During sampling, representative quadrats should be selected. The cutting height of the sampled quadrats should be similar to the grazing height of goats, and plants that goats cannot utilize should be removed, so that the measured grass yield better reflects reality.

(2) Sheep carrying capacity calculation

The sheep carrying capacity of pasture land can be expressed as the number of grazing goats supported by the total pasture area, or as the number of grazing goats supported per hectare of pasture land. The calculation formulas are respectively:

Sheep carrying capacity of pasture land = (total pasture yield x edible rate) / (daily intake per head x grazing days)

Where: edible rate (%) = grass actually edible by sheep / total grass yield x 100

2. Number of sheep carried per hectare of pasture land

Total number of sheep carried per hectare of pasture land = green grass yield per hectare / (daily green grass requirement per sheep x grazing days)