The significance of the woody component of semi‐arid savanna vegetation in relation to meat production

Abstract

In many semi‐arid savanna areas of southern Africa extensive beef ranching is the main form of land use. Cattle prefer to graze rather than to browse and the woody component of the vegetation is therefore normally underutilized. Beef ranching will remain important but it is suggested that the use of domesticated browsers such as goats and eland in conjunction with cattle would achieve better overall utilization of the vegetation and prevent bush encroachment. Increased meat production would also be expected. However, not enough is known about the effects on the vegetation of stocking with both browsing and grazing animals to allow for the definition of clear management policies. Further information is needed about the woody plant standing crop and seasonal production in various vegetation types, woody species composition, browse quality and availability, the effects of utilization on woody plants, carrying capacity, the management principles for sustained woody foliage production, and the detailed relationships within the ‘browse‐grass‐browser‐grazer’ complex. The effects of manipulation of the woody component on the quantity and quality of herbaceous feed and on ecosystem stability must also be considered. It is suggested that research should be within the framework of cattle ranching and aimed at maximum sustained meat production.