Multi-Species Grazing on Deer Farms

We developed and tested a specific approach for multi-species grazing on deer farms by combining some principles of contemporary livestock husbandry: the fenced farming of domestic ruminants, deer farming and multi-species grazing. Our approach was designed to optimize the use of extensively managed grasslands. Even in temperate sub-humid climates it is important to prevent grassland degradation due to selective overgrazing and eradication of valuable species. Experimental investigations have focused on determining which processes are self-regulating, and specifically on recognizing which processes are relevant in the interactions between different species of grazing farm animals and wild animals, grassland vegetation and landscapes. The focus of this specific research initiative, run by the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) and the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), is on comparative studies involving fallow deer (Dama dama), wild sheep (Mouflon, Ovis aries), and sheep, or red deer (Cervus elaphus) and Dexter cattle, as well as their specific effects on extensively managed grassland sites. Grazing experiments have shown clear effects and distinct differences in the grazing success between single-species and mixed-group grazing. The initial separation of the individual species in the multi-species groups disappeared over a time period lasting from several days to weeks. The animals grazed peacefully in mixed groups and even rested together in shelters. One particularly positive result was that several species grazed plants that were avoided by other animals. Moreover, weeds and invaders can be controlled by this means. Our experiment was on a wetland site, but the principle of multi-species grazing on deer farms should have potential for other locations as well. We observed clear benefits for the grassland vegetation and ecosystem which are also expected to appear for grasslands in dryland regions. Due to economic constraints (there is a limited market for meat from deer and other animals in this grazing system), the approach remains limited to some innovative farms. It cannot resolve the problems of basic food security and grassland degradation in Central Asia or elsewhere, but a site-specific adaption of this multi-species grazing system could be an interesting option for improving the micro-economy, ecology and cultural lifestyle in some areas.