EFFECTS OF ANIMAL GRAZING ON ALLOWED FORAGE YIELD AND QUALITY OF RANGELANDS WITH DIFFERENT SLOPE

Abstract

This study conducted between 2016 and 2017 in the Kosk Village of Yakutiye District of Erzurum Province, Turkey on rangeland sites with 4 different slopes (0-10%, 10-30%, 30-60 and 60% and above). In the research, current allowed forage yield and some forage quality characteristics of rangeland sites with different slope degrees were investigated. It was determined that the forage yield of rangeland sites decreased in steep slope rangeland sites and increased in slightly sloping rangeland sites. It was determined that the effect of different sloping degrees on some forage quality was important. Slightly slope rangeland sites, forages had higher crude protein content, while steep slope rangeland sites had higher ADF and NDF ratio. Also, it was calculated that the Relative Feed Value (RFV) in the rangelands decreased due to the increase in slope. According to the obtained results, it reveals the necessity to practice appropriate management such as the proper intensity of grazing, especially in sloping areas to ensure sustainable rangeland use.