The effects of rotational and continuous grazing on horses, pasture condition, and soil properties

Rotational grazing tends be recommended over continuous grazing for its potential improvements to forage quality, yield, and animal gain. However, work comparing these grazing systems using horses is sparse, and it is not appropriate to utilize findings from other livestock species due to differences in equine physiology and grazing behavior. The present study examined the effects of grazing system on horse condition, vegetation attributes, and soil properties for one year. The first objective was to evaluate four methods for estimating plant species composition. Each method agreed with each other method well enough to be used interchangeably. The second objective was to compare the effects of rotational and continuous grazing on horse and pasture condition. Horses were not affected by grazing system, but pasture condition was strongly affected with rotational pastures exhibiting higher production and ground cover than continuous pastures. The third objective was to evaluate the effects of rotational and continuous grazing on soil chemical, physical, and hydraulic properties. It was found that grazing system had no effect on soil fertility, bulk density, or hydraulic conductivity. Overall, these findings support the recommendation of rotational grazing for improved pasture condition, but do not offer evidence of improved horse or soil condition over continuous grazing.M.S.Includes bibliographical referencesby Laura Beth Kenn