Changes in Feed Value, Forage Productivity, and Grazing Intensity at Mountainous Pasture Grazed by Growing Korean Native Goat (Capra hircus coreanae)
This study was conducted to determine grazing intensity of growing Korean native goats (Capra hircus coreanae) on mountainous pasture. It was carried out to obtain basic information for improvement of mountainous pasture management and establishing feeding system of Korean native goats. Castrated, male goats (n=10) with average initial body weight (BW) of 23.33±2.15kg and an average age of 4 months were used in this study. Grazing goats were supplemented by concentrates with 1.0% of BW. The crude protein content of forage was the highest in October (22.71±0.25%) and there were significantly differences (p<0.05) in monthly comparison. The forage productivity of pasture was the highest from May to June (1718.7±207.5~ 1672.0±422.8 kg/ha) but it was decreased in July (1356.0±103.8 kg/ha) because of drought and summer depression. Average daily gains (ADG) of goats were the highest in June (99.5±6.4 d/g). Grazing intensity was calculated by forage productivity and dry matter intake (DMI) and was the highest in May (65 head/ha). As shown in the results of this research, grazing intensity was suggested to average 39 head/ha from May to October. It is desirable that adequate grazing intensity was maintained by adjusting supplemental feed.