Hayashi et al., 2006. Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci., 19 (4): 514-520

An abandoned mandarin orange orchard in southwestern Japan was set-stocked by Japanese Black cows at 2 stocking rates (1.0 and 2.0 animals/ha), and vegetation dynamics and diet selection by cattle were monitored for 2 years in an effort to obtain information on the effective use of abandoned agricultural fields for low-cost animal production and environmental conservation. Two dominant species at the commencement of grazing, kudzu (Pueraria lobata) and tall goldenrod (Solidago altissima), showed different responses to grazing during the two years. The composition of kudzu decreased, contrasting with that of tall goldenrod which increased at both stocking rates. This was caused by high preference for kudzu and avoidance or low preference for tall goldenrod by cattle. Retrogression of vegetation due to cattle disturbances occurred at both stocking rates, with the high stocking rate leading to a lower degree of succession than the low stocking rate. Cattle grazing, particularly at a high stocking rate, was effective in the management of vegetation of an abandoned orchard.