Experiencia de pastoreo ovino de pasturas de gramíneas introducidas en Patagonia Austral, Argentina

Introduction: Sheep farming in Southern Patagonia was based on the extensive use of natural grasslands in a scenario where grassland productivity accompanies the variability of weather conditions and soil water availability. One of the important indicators of extensive sheep farming is the percentage of indicated. Important guidelines are to provide an adequate nutritional plan to ensure success in achieving the percentage of live weight of adults’ live weight at the time of first service and to reduce physical losses to the lowest possible values. Methodology: In the southern region of Santa Cruz, a valid alternative to improve the productive performance of young sheep and reduce animal losses consists of strategic grazing of pastures introduced with perennial grasses. This alternative, due to the characteristics of the environment, also implies paying attention to the productivity, phenological state, and quality of the resource for correct grazing planning. Results: In this experience, comparative results of two grazing experiences were evaluated and presented on two pastures based on introduced grasses with Corriedale and Corriedale x Dhone Merino replacement lambs in two different sites and resources. Conclusion: The potential of the resource as an alternative to mitigate physical losses and improve the live weight of the animal in short-time grazing is indicated, where the responses depending on the initial body condition vary, with the lower ones having the greatest response.