Influence of Grassland Management and Grazing by Different Farm Animals on Animal Performance and Flora Alterations

The objectives of this study were to test the possibilities of using different farm animals for landscape care on extensive pasture, taking into account their particular performance, and to analyse alterations of the flora in consequence of grazing by different animals and various pasture management. Salers had the highest (836g/d) and Galloways (584g/d) the lowest live weight gain as compared with the other breeds (771g/d). Lambs had higher live weight when grazing together with cattle and horses (mixed grazing) than under one species grazing. The number of legume increased and that of grass decreased. Following 3 years the grazing animals effected an increase of plant numbers in order of: Horses 86%, Cattle 15%, Mixed grazing 14% and sheep no effect. The most success of increasing plant numbers was registered when combined grazing and mowing of pasture was used