Masters student Natalie Yuen, renowned animal behaviour scientist Dr. Temple Grandin and the farm's two Belted Galloway cattle guests. Photo courtesy of Don Erhardt.
For the second year in a row, the UBC Farm is playing host to a pair of Belted Galloway cattle. Following the success of her undergraduate Self-Directed Study on rotational cattle grazing, Integrated Studies in Land and Food Systems student Natalie Yuen is researching the integration of cattle into the Farm’s annual crop rotation as the basis of her Master’s research under Dr. Art Bomke’s supervision.
Last year, Natalie merged her interests in agroecology and animal welfare by designing and implementing a rotational grazing system at the UBC Farm. This involved subdividing a field into several smaller sections and allowing the cattle to graze in one area at a time. Sequential grazing allows sections that have been grazed to generate regrowth, thereby providing a continuous and sustainable food source for grazers. The objective of last year’s research was to demonstrate how a functional agroecosystem such as the UBC Farm could achieve soil fertility benefits from grazing cattle by allowing them to exhibit their natural behaviours, while simultaneously enhancing the cattle’s welfare.
Moreover, “mob” grazing has received glowing reports as a tool to fight climate change. In a nutshell, intensive grazing stimulates a high level of grass growth. The grasses convert CO2 from the air into sugars through photosynthesis. Subsequently, some of the carbon compounds are sequestered in the soil through the growth and decay of root matter.
A great source of inspiration to Natalie in her research, particularly with regard to cattle welfare, has been the work of world-renowned animal behaviour scientist, Dr. Temple Grandin. With the goal of improving the lives of beef cattle, Dr. Grandin applied her research on cattle behavioural responses to various stimuli and thus revolutionized the beef production industry. In particular, Dr. Grandin has designed humane handling facilities in feedlots and slaughterhouses to ensure that cattle welfare is maintained, even in later stages of life. In the highlight of her academic career thus far, Natalie arranged a visit by Dr. Grandin to the UBC Farm to see her project.
Over the coming season, Natalie will be investigating soil and egg quality properties in a management-intensive, mixed livestock rotational grazing system. After cattle graze a particular field sub-section, a small flock of chickens will subsequently be introduced into the field to mechanically decompose the cattle manure and digest the ensuing fly larvae. This portion of Natalie’s research was inspired by the innovative farming practices of Joel Salatin, author of The Sheer Ecstasy of Being a Lunatic Farmer and co-owner of Polyface Farm in Virginia. Salatin is well-known for being featured in the documentaries Food, Inc. and Fresh, as well as Michael Pollan’s New York Times best-selling book, The Omnivore’s Dilemma. In September 2010, Natalie invited him to UBC. Faculty, students and staff were treated to Salatin’s particular brand of humour and innovative vision for a vibrant food system.
