R. Nikdokht, E. Karami, M. Ahmadvand,
Volume 11, Issue 41 (10-2007)
Abstract
Sustainability of livestock production systems (LPSs) is of prime importance to the needs of human beings. From a sustainability point of view, an LPS is sustainable when it is environmentally nondestructive, economically viable and socially provides appropriate quality of life for producer and the whole community. Iran LPS is primarily based on traditional production systems. Therefore, an important issue for animal production in this country is the question of sustainability of traditional LPSs.The aim of this paper was to investigate and compare the sustainability of traditional LPSs in Firouzabad County. Three dimensions of sustainability were considered. Survey research was used to reach this purpose. Therefore, 300 livestock producers in “Nomadic”, “Semi-nomadic” and “Village- based” system were interviewed. Respondents were selected by a multi-stage cluster random sampling method. Face validity was confirmed by experts and the questionnaires were subjected to reliability testing using data collected in the pilot study. Findings showed that all three LPSs were unsustainable with regard to social, economical, and technico-environmental dimensions. Comparison of LPSs showed that Village-based LPS was from social dimension relatively sustainable and technically and environmentally unsustainable. While nomadic LPS was from social dimension relatively unsustainable and technically and environmentally sustainable.
A Ephtekhari, M Farahpour, H Arzani, J Abdolahi,
Volume 13, Issue 47 (4-2009)
Abstract
Species which were grazed by livestock and wildlife in range sites and the portion taken by each animal were the subject of this study. Two sites occupied with Scariola orientalis (Boiss.) Sojak and Artemisia sieberi Besser and another with Aellenia subaphyla (C.A.Mey.)Aellen and Artemisia sieberi were selected for the study. These sites were already established by Yazd Research Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources. Sites should be covered with similar vegetation (72% similarity), as much as possible indeed. One site, by the name of Kalmand, is a protected area and is exclusively grazed by Iranian gazelle, while the other, Jadehdehshir, by sheep and goat. Results of the study show that the selection of species is the same by these animals. Both are interested in the following species: Artemisia sieberi, Scariola orientalis, Bromus tectorum L, Stipa barbata Desf. , Noaea mucronata (Forsk.) A schers.et Schweinf, and Launaea acanthodes (Boiss.)o.Kuntze. On the contrary, species such as Acantholimon scorpiurs (Joub. &Spach) Boiss, Astragalus albispinus L were not taken by the animal for their woody stems and thorny branches. Fresh and non woody parts of the plants were grazed by both types of animal. Similarity between grazing behavior of wildlife and livestock in Yazd province shows that wildlife feed requirement should be seriously taken into account when grazing capacity of rangelands is to be evaluated.
