Fig. 2 shows a livestock farm that uses a cut-and-carry feeding system. Fodder is harvested from a planted pasture and transported to animals housed in a co...

Labelled answer diagram:

(a) The pasture management system shown in Fig. 2 is zero grazing (also called cut-and-carry or stall feeding). [1] In this system, the animals do not graze in the field; instead, fodder is harvested and brought to them.

(b) How fodder is provided to the livestock:

1. Grass or fodder crops are cut from the planted pasture at regular intervals using hand tools or a mower. [1]
2. The cut material is then carried or transported to the animals in their housing area, where it is placed in feeding troughs for the livestock to eat. [1]

(c) Two advantages of this system compared to free-range grazing:

1. Less energy is wasted by the animals because they do not walk long distances to find food. [1] All the energy from feed goes toward growth and production (milk or meat) rather than movement.
2. Less soil compaction and trampling damage to the pasture because the animals are confined to the shed area. [1] The pasture can grow undisturbed, and the soil structure is preserved.

(d) Why legumes are often included when re-seeding improved pastures:

1. Legumes such as clover, lucerne (alfalfa), or desmodium have nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Rhizobium) living in nodules on their roots. [1]
2. These bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into ammonium, a form of nitrogen that plants can absorb and use for growth. [1]
3. This biological nitrogen fixation increases soil nitrogen levels and improves soil fertility, reducing or eliminating the need to purchase and apply expensive nitrogen fertiliser. [1] The legume also provides protein-rich forage that improves the overall nutritional quality of the pasture for livestock.

(e) How surplus pasture grass can be conserved as hay for dry-season use:

1. The grass is cut at the correct growth stage, usually at or just before flowering, when it has the best balance of yield and nutritional value. [1]
2. The cut grass is spread out in the field and turned regularly over several days to allow it to dry in the sun and wind. Turning ensures even drying and prevents mould development in the lower layers. [1]
3. Once the moisture content drops below about 15%, the dried hay is baled (tied into compact bundles) and stored under cover in a barn or shed to protect it from rain damage and further moisture absorption. [1] Properly dried and stored hay can last for months and provides essential feed during the dry season when fresh pasture is scarce.