Effect of Clipping Frequencies on Forage Production and Nutrient Value of Pasture Herbaceous

Abstract

In the rural areas, rangelands play a crucial role in feeding livestock (sheep, goats, and cattle). However, since 2000, overgrazing has led to significant degradation of northern Iraq pastures. This study examined the effect of different clipping frequencies (non-clipped, once-clipped, twice-clipped, and triple-clipped) on natural vegetation’s quality and quantity to simulate grazing. The results found that clipping increased moisture content but not significantly across multiple clipping. Once-clipped vegetation had the highest wet weight 1306.5 g/m², while non-clipped and once-clipped treatments had the highest dry weights 402.5 and 410.8 g/m² respectively. More frequent clippings reduced dry weight and dry matter percentages, whereas clipping did not significantly affect organic matter percentage. Once-clipped significantly reduced crude fiber 22.38% but this reduction was not significant beyond the first cutting. However, clipping increased crude protein percent, especially with triple-clipping 7.68%, and slightly increase ash content. Clipping also reduced ether extract and increased nitrogen-free extract slightly. The study concluded that minimal clipping preserves plant mass and improve crude protein and ash percentages while reducing fiber and ether extract. Once and twice clipping balances yield and nutritional quality, with once-clipping being optimal for wet yield and twice- clipping enhancing nutritional quality with manageable yield loss. Triple-clipping is not recommended due to significant yield reduction. For optimal forage quality and sustainability, once and twice clipping is recommended, making the forage more digestible without significant nutrient losses.