Adaptive Livestock Management in Semi-Arid Rangelands

ISBN-13: 9783836428538 / Angielski / Miękka / 2007 / 144 str.

Sikhalazo Dube

Opis

Droughts are an integral part of semi-arid environments with far reachingnegative consequences. Management decisions in these environments shouldbe evaluated against scenario of uncertainty in climate and prices. There is aneed for forecasting environmental and economic risks associated withdifferent management options. Development of simple yet effective modelsto assist in development of effective management strategies is vital. Thesemodels should evaluate the potential risks and benefits of alternativemanagement strategies. This study evaluates the effects of stocking rate forfixed and flexible strategies on range condition, ranch income and expensesfor a cow-calf enterprises. The analysis should assist livestock managerproduced sustainably in semi-arid environments. Use of principles in thestudy can alleviate some of the drought induced livestock mortalities throughforward looking forage planning.The book is addressed to livestock producers, ecologists, drought managementstrategists and climatologists. It is a good guide for researchers in thefield of ecological modeling, particularly those looking at developing morerobust and user friendly models