The ecology of pastoral production in Australia

G.R. Moule

Australian Wool Board, Sydney

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Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1964, 24: 90-110

The farmer aims at converting the physical resources of soil and climate into living material that can be exploited commercially, but the requirements of animals are relatively simple. The amount of forage grown on each property governs the number of animals that can be carried, but it is doubtful if present stocking rates exploit the full potential of the available forage.

Although numerous studies have been made of the toxicity of improved pastures, little is known of the respective merits of various pasture species for animal production. Further investigations are necessary to elucidate the relationships between the chemical composition of forage and the production of gametes, body growth and of wool.

Sheep populations tend to increase with the availability of forage, but in tropical Australia reproduction rates are low and a broad approach is needed in order to define the nature of the problems associated with ovine reproduction.

Comparatively slow progress is likely to accrue from the selection of breeding stock, although there is scope for selection for physiological traits likely to influence productivity.

The farmer can make only a few adjustments in property management in order to accommodate new practices suggested by research findings.

Keywords: NZSAPAB;