Study of sheep grazing behavior in Cheshmeh Anjir rangelands, Fars province

The knowledge of livestock grazing behavior is one of the effective factors in rangeland management. This research was carried out in order to recognize the sheep grazing behavior in the rangelands of Cheshmeh Anjir, Fars province, during the years 2007-2010.The indicators assessed in this research included the daily distance traveled by livestock, average livestock movement, speed, and the time spent grazing. To determine these parameters, a GPS device was used and attached on the back of a 4- year old ewe using a special belt. Thus, after the start of grazing in the rangeland, the GPS was activated and then its data were extracted using mode track in ILWIS software at the end of the day. Data analysis was done in a completely randomized block design method using SAS software. The results of the study years showed that the average livestock movement speed and the daily distance traveled by livestock were significant at 1% and 5% levels, respectively; however, the time spent grazing did not show significant differences. Also, the results of study months showed that the average livestock movement speed was significant at 5% level and the daily distance traveled by livestock and the time spent grazing were not significant. According to the results, August 2008 with the mean value of 4 m/s and June 2009 with the mean value of 29 m/s had the lowest and highest average livestock movement speed, respectively; however, June 2009 with the mean value of 4.2 m/s and August 2008 with the mean value of 15.4 m/s had the lowest and highest distance traveled by livestock, respectively. The knowledge of mentioned factors will help rangeland management to determine the appropriate time for livestock moving and will increase livestock performance.