Outcomes of a comparison between pastoral and silvopastoral management on beef cattle productivity, animal welfare and pasture depletion in a Mediterranean extensive farm

• DOI: 10.1007/s10457-023-00848-w
• Publication Date: 2023-05-10T21:54:11Z
• Authors: Alice Ripamonti; Alberto Mantino; Francesco Annecchini; Alice Cappucci; Laura Casarosa; Luca Turini; Giulia Foggi; Marcello Mele
• Keywords: Beef Cattle

Abstract In spring 2021, 50 growing steers and heifers of the Maremmana breed (average age 321 d weight 287 kg) were rotationally stocked under two different treatments (silvopastoral pastoral). The aim was to evaluate influence grazing system on cattle growth welfare, pasture depletion. experiment carried out a real Mediterranean agrosilvopastoral farm, located in central Italy. To implement rotational grazing, 3.69 ha temporary grassland split into six paddocks, three for each treatment. Cattle grazed one week paddock then moved next total weeks corresponding periods. group maintained silvopastoral allowed access 3.31 Turkey oak ( Quercus cerris L.) forest. Regarding average daily gain, significant interaction found between treatment time. gain animals open 1.20 kg −1 , while that 1.02 . Despite rate being within expected range breed, significantly lower. One possible causes this difference could be higher energy requirements due activity levels. management did not affect animal welfare indicators. Indeed, serum cortisol concentration vary among sampling times, hair decreased during both groups. health, allowing graze forest reduced depletion because lower stocking pressure. Further studies are necessary increase knowledge role forests other seasons than extensive systems.