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EVALUATION OF CO-GRAZING CATTLE AND GOATS TO REDUCE UNDESIRABLE PLANT SPECIES ON STEEP SLOPE PASTURES IN CARTER COUNTY KENTUCKY

Applied Research

Myron Evans
CEA/ANR
University of Kentucky
GRAYSON

Abstract

\r\n    This study investigated weeds control and pasture improvement when grazing a meat goat herd with a beef cow/calf operation.  A Boer x Kiko meat goat herd, (113 does w/kids) was grazed with 70 Angus cows' w/calves on steep mountain pastures.  Five 100 ft. plots were placed randomly within a (100ac) paddock for the purpose of determining change in undesirable plant canopy.  The line intercept method was applied to the plots and canopy measurements were taken at (6in) intervals along a (100 ft) rope suspended (46 in) from the soil surface.  A plum bob was dropped and plant contact beneath the rope was recorded at three canopy levels, top (44in-34in), middle (34in-24in) and bottom at ground level.  Data was collected in three sampling periods corresponding to spring, summer and fall.  Plant canopies were composed of brambles, forbs, trees/shrubs and vines.  Top canopy brambles decline 30% from periods spring, summer to fall and 44%  at the middle level for the same sampling periods.  Brambles were not apparent at level bottom.  With decline of brambles, forbs and vines increased 90% and 42% respectively at the middle level.  The percentage of grass increased from 30% at bottom in spring to 42% in summer and 52% in the fall.  Simultaneously, the forb cover increased from spring, 14% to 19%, summer and declined to 5% in the fall.  As bramble, tree/shrub canopies decline, grass and forb ground cover appear to increase with time for a single growing season.

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: M.E. Evans, T.K. Hutchens, K Andries
  1. Evans, M. County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Project Coordinator, Kentucky, 41143
  2. Hutchens, T. Extension Specialist, University of Kentucky, Project Coordinator, Kentucky, 40546
  3. Andries, K. Extension Livestock Specialist, Kentucky State University, Project Coordinator, Kentucky, 40601