How do we maximise profit/ha on low octane grazing (sourveld) when defoliation interval has opposite effects on grass quantity and quality, as shown above? I suggest the following breeding and management practices:

Fat genotype:

Non-selective grazing:

Short recovery period (high quality grass) during critical times (calving/breeding):

Short (42 day) breeding/calving season on green grass:

Effective rumen supplementation:

Option of early weaning (4 months) in order to benefit cow body condition:

Other than adding value to the end product (genetics; direct marketing), is there anything else that can be done to increase profit on a sustainable basis?