AUTHOR=Slayi Mhlangabezi , Rapiya Monde 

TITLE=Adaptive foraging strategies of indigenous and exotic cattle breeds in semi-arid communal rangelands: implications for bush encroachment and climate resilience

JOURNAL=Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice

VOLUME=Volume 15 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontierspartnerships.org/journals/pastoralism-research-policy-and-practice/articles/10.3389/past.2025.15124

DOI=10.3389/past.2025.15124

ISSN=2041-7136

ABSTRACT=This study investigated diurnal and seasonal variations in forage selection, grazing behaviour, nutrient intake, and physiological responses of Nguni (indigenous) and Bonsmara (exotic) cattle in semi-arid communal rangelands undergoing bush encroachment in the Eastern Cape South Africa. Data were collected from 24 cattle (12 per breed) in the hot season (December to February) and the cool (May to August) seasons, during morning, midday, and evening grazing bouts. Forage selection was assessed by separating growth forms (grasses vs. browse) to evaluate potential adaptation to encroaching woody vegetation. In the cool season, Nguni cattle exhibited higher bite rates (63 vs. 58 bites/min), longer grazing durations (45 vs. 37 min/h), and greater daily dry matter intake (9.4 vs. 7.8 kg) and crude protein intake (0.83 vs. 0.65 kg) compared to Bonsmara cattle. Nguni consumed a higher proportion of browse, particularly at midday during the hot season, suggesting greater flexibility to shifts in forage composition under bush encroachment. Results indicated significant seasonal and breed-related variations in water consumption and activity patterns. Both breeds showed higher water intake during the hot season, with Bonsmara (29.0 ± 1.6 L/day) and Nguni (28.3 ± 1.5 L/day) exhibiting similar levels of consumption. However, Bonsmara tended to have slightly lower grazing-to-resting ratios during hotter periods. These findings suggest that indigenous Nguni cattle are better adapted to climate variability and bush-encroached rangelands. This underscores the need to realign livestock development policies to promote indigenous breeds as a climate-resilient strategy for the future of communal pastoral systems.