Research, Policy and Practice
Table 1 Comparative key parameters used in base case models for the Woodland and Savanna biome livestock systems
Parameters | Traditional small scale | Cattle post | Commercial ranch |
|---|---|---|---|
Land used (ha) | 180 | 6,400 | 10,000 |
Number of cattle (head) | 35 | 760 | 1050 |
Number of goats (head) | 3 | 59 | 100 |
‘Economic’ carrying capacity (ha/LSU) | 13 | 13 | 13 |
Stocking rate (ha/LSU) | 6.5 | 8.3 | 12.9 |
Calving rate (% cows) | 60 | 63 | 65 |
Calving rate (% heifers) | 60 | 63 | 65 |
Mortality rate (% calves) | 18 | 9 | 5 |
Mortality rate (% others) | 11 | 5 | 3 |
Bull rate (% herd) | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Goat reproductive rate (%) | 20 | 25 | 30 |
Average total herd growth rate (%) | 0.7 | 8 | 4.6 |
Cattle off-take rate (% herd) | 9 | 12 | 18 |
Goat off-take rate (% flock) | 20 | 25 | 30 |
Milk yield (litres/lactating cow/annum) | 158 | n/a | n/a |
Transport/draft (days/span of four/annum) | 55 | n/a | n/a |