ID-143 Rotational Grazing
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COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE • UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, LEXINGTON, KY, 40546
ID-143
Rotational Grazing
Ray Smith, Garry Lacefield, Roy Burris, David Ditsch, Bob Coleman, Jeff Lehmkuhler, and Jimmy Henning
Agriculture and Natural Resources • Family and Consumer Sciences • 4-H Youth Development • Community and Economic Development
EXTENSION
R otational grazing can help Kentucky
farmers increase forage productiv-
ity, which can increase yield of animal
Kentucky’s land and climate offer
farmers the opportunity to grow large
quantities of high-quality pasture from
products per acre and may increase cool- and warm-season grasses and le-
profit margins for forage-based farming gumes. However, only about one-third of
systems. At the same time, rotational the pasture forages produced are actually
grazing has the potential to used by grazing animals. In addition,
• reduce cost of machinery, fuel, and much of the forage consumed is not as
facilities high in quality as it should be, resulting
• reduce supplemental feeding and in low animal output per acre of forage
pasture waste grazed. This low-quality forage occurs
• improve monthly pasture distribution particularly in late spring and summer
and yield pastures and in much of the hay that is
• improve animal waste distribution and produced.
nutrient use Kentucky pastures are generally too
• improve pastures’ botanical composi- large to ensure the even grazing that
tion would result in greater forage utilization.
• minimize daily fluctuations in intake With large pastures, the animal decides
and quality when, where, what, and how frequently
• allocate pasture to animals more ef- a plant is defoliated. Use of low-cost,
Much of Kentucky’s land resource has roll- ficiently, based on nutritional needs versatile fencing to reduce pasture size
ing topography and would be best used can transfer decision making from the
by implementing sound rotational grazing Farmers and ranchers who have ad- animal to the manager, which often re-
systems for cattle.
opted improved grazing practices may sults in improved utilization of available
call these practices controlled grazing, forage and greater control over pasture
intensive grazing, management intensive allocation.
grazing, rotational grazing, or intensive Kentucky has great opportunity and
rotational grazing. potential in animal-based agriculture,
A rotational grazing program can and better utilization of forage is the key
generally be defined as use of several to realizing this potential. If pastures
Ray Smith, Garry Lacefield, David Ditsch, pastures, one of which is grazed while the are managed for better productivity,
and Jimmy Henning are faculty members in others are rested before being regrazed. captured in a higher-quality stage, and
the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences.
Continuous grazing is the use of one converted more efficiently to animal
Roy Burris, Bob Coleman, and Jeff pasture for the entire grazing season. products, animal-based agriculture will
Lehmkuhler are faculty members in the without question increase Kentucky’s
Department of Animal and Food Sciences. agricultural income.
2
stock nutritional needs (which can vary
from animal to animal) is not limited by
pasture quantity. The amount of forage
in 1,000 to 1,500 lb can vary, too. It may
represent only 4 inches of dense grass, or
it may represent 8 inches or more forage
if the stand is thin and open.
Keeping an adequate supply of for-
age before grazing livestock across the
full grazing season is challenging for all
managers. A rotational grazing system
will require the use of a mix of forages
to meet the seasonal fluctuations in plant
growth and livestock requirements. An
almost infinite combination of forages
can be used successfully.
Principle 2:
Maintain Forage Quality to
Rotational grazing allows the manager to make the best possible match between animal
needs and forage production, as on this reclaimed mine site in Perry County. Meet Animal Nutrient Needs
Rotational grazing allows the manager
to regulate the frequency and intensity of
Key Principles of allow the forage to regrow to a grazable
height. An improved grazing system will grazing to control quality, yield, utiliza-
Rotational Grazing also allow alteration of the stocking rate tion, and persistence of pastures. A sound
A sound rotational grazing system is to adjust to the forage’s changing growth rotational grazing system has benefits for
a worthy goal for Kentucky producers. rates. forage production and utilization. These
Such a system involves three principles: Continuous grazing does not allow for benefits fall into six main areas: quality,
adjustment of changing forage growth regrowth, persistence, utilization, and
Principle 1: rate or for rest periods to allow for forage nutrient recycling.
Rotational Grazing Maximizes regrowth. Continuous grazing leads to Quality: Rotational grazing systems are
Forage Yield and Availability overgrazing during slow-growth periods. more likely than continuous grazing to
Overgrazed pastures will not reach their maintain pastures in an actively growing
Rotational grazing helps managers
yield potential. state. With continuous grazing, animals
make the best possible match of quan-
Continuous grazing has been com- tend to return to the same area repeat-
tity and quality between forage and the
pared to planting a field of soybeans and edly and allow forages in non-grazed
livestock’s nutritional needs, which will
then running a combine over the field all areas to become mature, resulting in
vary with age, body size, livestock class,
year long. Such a comparison makes it reduced intake and digestibility. The net
and especially the production level to
easy to see the negative effects of continu- result is that overall quality of the pasture
be supported. Growing animals, lactat-
ous grazing on pasture yield. In contrast, declines. With rotational grazing, selec-
ing livestock, and livestock under stress
the graze per rest cycles of an improved tive grazing is limited, resulting in forage
(cold temperatures, wet weather, etc.)
grazing system allow for maximum re- being more uniformly grazed and more
need more nutrition than mature, non-
growth of the forage, given limitations uniformly regrown.
lactating stock.
resulting from factors such as weather Within the pasture, forage quality var-
Pasture that is leafy and green and
and soil fertility. ies greatly from the base of the plant to the
free from anti-quality factors (such as the
Availability: Meeting the nutritional uppermost leaves, especially with legumes
endophyte of tall fescue and undesirable
needs of grazing livestock is not only a and to a lesser extent with forage grasses.
weed species) will provide both high pro-
function of forage quality, but animal in- The upper half of an alfalfa or red clover
tein and high energy for grazing livestock.
take as well. Every day, grazing stock need canopy, for example, contains the majority
Pasture must also be made available in
to consume forage dry matter equal to 2 of the leaf yield. Therefore, forage quality
quantities that permit grazing animals
to 5% of their body weight. For example, of legumes is higher in the top half of the
to achieve their nutritional requirements.
a 1,100-lb cow can require 22 to 33 lb of pasture than in the lower half. The crude
Yield: Moving to an improved grazing protein in the top 6 inches of an alfalfa
dry matter from pasture daily. A 100-lb
system will increase yield per acre beyond canopy, for example, can be twice that of
doe can require 3 to 5 lb of dry matter
that of continuous grazing. Improved the lower 6 inches. (Energy content fol-
from pasture daily. Pastures should
grazing systems allow for quick defo- lows a similar pattern, although it doesn’t
contain 1,000 to 1,500 lb of usable forage
liation of the forage to a target residual decline as sharply toward the lower part
dry matter per acre so that meeting live-
height followed by enough rest time to of the plant.)
3
This layering of quality within the pas-
ture canopy has practical implications.
Grazing management that promotes the
removal of the top half of the canopy to
support maximum gains is a technique
called top grazing. Stocker cattle are ex-
cellent as top grazers because they select 3"
the highest quality forage and maximize
their average daily gains. Significant 1.5"
residual forage remains, however, when
top grazing is used. This residual material,
though lower in quality, is still valuable
for dry cows or other animals with lower
nutritional needs than stocker cattle. Fol-
lowing top grazers with dry cows or other
livestock with lower nutritional require-
ments is known as leader/follower grazing
or first-and-second grazing. This system
allows for maximum forage utilization as
well as high levels of animal output per
acre. Figure 1. Effect of grazing height on legume and grass regrowth in a grazed pasture. From
The quick, nonselective grazing that Blaser, et al., 1986. Virginia Polytechnic Institute Bulletin 86-7.
occurs with rotational grazing is an ad-
vantage in grass-legume pastures (Figure
1) because it enables legume regrowth systems lead to slow top growth and changing the method of grazing from
and grass regrowth to occur at about the lower water infiltration into the soil and continuous to weekly or daily rotations
same rate. If only top grazers are used so uptake by the plant. increased the persistence of big blue-
that grazing heights remain high, grass Persistence: Rotational grazing will result stem. University of Georgia researchers
regrowth tends to be faster. in greater persistence of forage species reported that repeated close grazing of
Regrowth: Rotational grazing and that regrow from stored carbohydrates endophyte-free tall fescue caused a weak-
managing to maintain both adequate and are sensitive to overgrazing or re- ened stand. However, the fescue survived
carbohydrate reserves from root or peated defoliation. It also helps species in those endophyte-free pastures that had
stubble and proper residual leaf area will persist during periods of drought stress. 4 inches of residual growth maintained
result in maximum regrowth rates. The In University of Missouri research, across the season.
rate of regrowth by forage species after
defoliation (mowing or grazing) is related
to the amount of leaf area remaining and
Figure 2. The orchardgrass plant on the left was clipped weekly to 1 inch for one month to
carbohydrate reserves in the root system, simulate continuous grazing. The orchardgrass plant on the right was clipped at the begin-
both of which supply energy needed for ning and end of the month to 3.5 inches to simulate rotational grazing. For the plant on
rapid regrowth. the right, the value of rotational grazing is apparent after six days of regrowth.
The rest cycle in a rotational grazing
system allows carbohydrate-cycling spe-
cies (such as alfalfa, red clover, big blue-
stem, switchgrass, and indiangrass) to
maintain proper energy reserves to fuel
regrowth. Rotational grazing can also
benefit forage species that rely more on
residual leaf area for regrowth (orchard-
grass and tall fescue), because grazing
pressure can be managed to leave enough
green leaf tissue to power that regrowth
(Figure 2).
Grazing that removes most of the
available top growth of grasses leads to
death and sloughing of large portions of
grasses’ fibrous root systems. Small root
4
Guidelines for Designing
Rotational Grazing Systems
The whole farm should be planned,
followed by development of the
rotational grazing system as time and
money allow. This approach will limit
the number of times fences will need to
be moved.
Lanes can be a positive in the system.
They are necessary if there is a dairy,
and they also
• make separating sick cattle easier
• make Al breeding much easier
• allow cattle to be put where they
need to be
Two lanes side by side and rotated back
and forth will help control erosion.
Rotational grazing keeps pastures higher in quality than does continuous grazing and Lanes can also be a negative force:
favors the growth and persistence of legumes. • 15 percent of manure is left in the
alleyway.
• Cows will drink less if they have to
travel too far to water.
Utilization: Most pastures contain a sium (K2O). Grazing animals excrete, in Long, round corners make it easier to
great deal of forage that is never con- their feces and urine, between 70 and 90 mow or crop when fencing around the
sumed and eventually decays. Traditional percent of the N, P, and K they consume better soils on the farm; fence for the
from forage. Since a mature cow (1,200 most soils benefit.
continuous grazing systems may use only
30 to 50% of the available forage. The rest lb) on pasture or consuming hay eats The squarer the paddock, the better.
approximately 5½ tons of forage per year, However, the smaller the paddock, the
of the forage is either trampled, soiled, or less critical the shape.
of little value because it overmatures or a significant amount of nutrients moves
through their digestive system. Manure Every paddock should have water.
dies. Most of this loss occurs with under-
utilized fall stockpiles and during periods can be a valuable resource in maintaining Make sure you have a good mix of
pasture soil fertility. warm- and cool-season forages and
of rapid growth where there is surplus a plan to use them to balance forage
beyond what is needed for livestock. Rotational grazing provides better ma- availability throughout the year.
When the appropriate stocking density nure (fertility) distribution than typical
Fencing should not be put up all at
is used, shortening grazing periods to continuous grazing, in which most of the once; it should be a learn-as-you-go
three to seven days increases utilization manure and urine is distributed close to process. Make sure good-quality per-
50-65%; to two days, 55-70%; and to one shade and water. Research has shown that manent fencing is used where needed,
day, 60-75%. soil-test P and K values are often three but also use temporary fencing.
Nutrient Recycling: Pasture fertility to five times higher within 50 ft of shade Integrate the fencing system with live-
than are average levels in the general pas- stock handling facilities so cattle can be
represents a real opportunity for Ken- treated or moved to a handling facility
tucky livestock producers. Kentucky ture. The smaller paddocks and shorter
easily from any paddock on the farm.
surveys show that soil testing is done on distance to water in rotational grazing
systems improve manure distribution. Use as much of the usable forage as
only about 10 percent of pastures. Of the possible to meet the nutritional needs
pastures that are soil tested, 40% are be- Manure is also more evenly distrib- of livestock but still allow forages to
low pH of 6.0, 45% are low in phosphorus, uted at higher stocking densities. When regrow.
and 35% are low in potassium. These low the travel area of the animal is restricted, A manager should not reseed with all
rates should be a concern to managers for grazing and manure distribution are new varieties until learning how to
all types of pastures, but are especially enhanced. manage what is already there.
critical for fields where legumes are to Maintaining pasture fertility solely Current resources should be used. It is
be established and grown. Ideally, plant with plant nutrients supplied in manure not necessary to spend a lot of money
and urine may be easy on some pastures in order to have water and fence.
nutrients should be applied according
to soil test recommendations to achieve but more difficult on others. Realistic Fertilizing should be done where it will
monitoring of pasture fertility through do the most good following soil test
desired levels of pasture production. recommendations.
A ton of grass-legume forage har- soil testing (in general, every three years)
and grazing practices that encourage To make rotational grazing successful,
vested as hay removes 35 to 45 pounds of managers must gather information,
nitrogen (N), 10 to 15 pounds of phospho- more uniform distribution are essential.
make a plan, put a system in place,
rus (P2O5), and 40 to 50 pounds of potas- and then look to see which parts are
working.
5
How to Know When to
Move to Fresh Pastures
The right time to rotate pastures
depends on many factors. Making the
following six observations can help
with the decision:
Look down. Has the present paddock
been used as much as desired, or is
there too much forage left? In general,
most new rotational grazing managers
tend to allow livestock to overgraze
pastures. A good rule when starting
out is to leave a little more forage than
seems necessary, which means live-
stock will need to be moved often.
Look ahead. Is the next paddock
ready for grazing? How fast is pasture
A good rotational grazing system allows the use of high-quality forages such as alfalfa, growth? Fast growth may indicate the
which requires rest periods after grazing and in the fall. need to speed up rotation or harvest
some paddocks for hay. Slow growth
signals the need to lighten stocking
rate, add acres, or feed hay.
University of Missouri researchers • Square paddocks generally result in
Look at the animals. Do the animals
have conducted several studies over the more even manure distribution than appear hungry, and are they in good
past five years on fertility and manure paddocks of other shapes. condition? Livestock can let a manager
management in pastures. Their work • When setting up a grazing system, know when they want to move, but
resulted in the following conclusions, keep in mind that any landscape posi- their desire to move may be too soon
summarized here: tion that looks cool and comfortable to for optimum pasture utilization. High-
performing animals should be moved
• Alleyway paths to water often become people (north- and east-facing slopes) more often, however.
areas of significant manure and urine will also appeal to livestock. Setting up
deposition, which can result in a loss paddocks and rotations to minimize Look behind. How fast is the last
paddock regrowing? Periods of slow
of plant nutrients from manure best the number of days that livestock can growth may signal the need to slow
utilized on pasture. These high-traffic camp at these sites will more uniformly the rotation, reduce stocking rate (by
pathways can also be the primary distribute manure over the entire adding grazing acres or by selling or
sources of parasitic larva that hatch pasture. moving stock), or feed hay. Slowing
from feces of small ruminants. (Ac- the rotation (more days per paddock)
cording to the UK Veterinary Disease Principle 3: makes animals graze closer and gain
less, and future regrowth from these
Laboratory, parasitism is the leading Economic profit can be realized “overgrazed” paddocks will be slower.
cause of small ruminant death in through improved livestock Look at the weather. Approaching
Kentucky.) efficiency and productivity. rain can signal the need to move from
• Shade trees in pastures are major sites pure legume to grass-based pastures
of manure accumulation; however, Rotational grazing produces eco- to prevent pugging of the soil and
the availability of shade is important nomic profit by allowing the manager to damage to the legume stand. Animals
in hot weather and is desired in most optimize animal performance and forage should be removed from johnsongrass
utilization. By switching from continuous and sorghum-sudan type pastures
systems. before frost.
• Grazing systems with more frequent grazing to rotational grazing, animal
rotations will result in more uniform gain per acre generally can be increased Finally, look at the calendar. During
significantly, though individual animal the active growing season (April to
distribution of manure and plant October), residual forage height should
nutrients across a pasture. Frequent performance actually may decrease
be managed to allow fast regrowth. On
rotations can also serve to interrupt slightly. Farmers often increase stock fall and winter stockpiled pasture, graze
life cycles of some livestock parasites numbers to capitalize on all of rotational longer and closer on each paddock to
and may reduce parasitic pressure. grazing’s benefits for quality and quantity use forage that would otherwise be lost
of pasture growth. during the winter.
• Fencing paddocks to minimize land-
scape variation will encourage more Good management of pastures, pad-
uniform grazing and manure distribu- docks, and rotation schedules can lead
tion. For example, managers should to increased gain per acre. For example,
fence slopes separately from bottoms workers in several states have found that
and ridgetops. rotational grazing will increase pounds
of beef per acre from 35 to 61% (Table 1).
6
Increasing beef yield per acre can result in
a reduced forage cost per pound of gain.
More beef per acre at a lower cost of gain
potentially leads to greater profit.
Dairy net profit for rotational grazing
in Pennsylvania was 72% greater than for
continuous grazing ($129 vs. $75, Table
2). Rotational grazing as a dairy farm
enterprise was more profitable per acre
than either hay or corn silage, based on
Pennsylvania budgets.
Finally, a study from the University of
Georgia (Table 3) showed several ben-
efits from rotational grazing compared
to continuous grazing. These benefits
included an increase in stocking rate and
total calf gain per acre, with a reduction
in hay fed per cow. These results were Rotational grazing enables managers to use high stocking densities and short grazing
realized without significantly reducing periods to increase utilization and decrease animal selectivity in grazing.
calf weaning weight or pregnancy rate.
Layout and Design In most situations, the best way to the gate between two pastures—dividing
Developing grazing systems involves start is to make a few simple or basic an existing pasture in half is the start of
subdividing large pastures into smaller improvements in the current grazing sys- a rotational grazing system.
pastures or paddocks (cells) that give the tem, which will begin the learning curve Being f lexible is fundamental to
manager control over how long cattle are and allow the manager to develop the putting rotational grazing systems to-
allowed to graze a particular area (pad- rotational system at a comfortable pace. It gether. The farmer should do what he or
dock) before they are moved. No single will also minimize “improvements” that she thinks best, but should be open to
blueprint or model exists for setting up later prove to be less than optimal. A lot change—and continual planning—before
a grazing system that will provide maxi- of progress can be made by simply closing driving the first post.
mum control. Every Kentucky farm is
unique; many different solutions are pos-
sible and workable. The most important Table 2. Dairy enterprise budgets per acre for pasture and forage crops.
factor in developing a rotational grazing Intensive Continuous Corn
system is to develop one that is right for Pasture Pasture Hay Silage
the farmer, the farm’s resources, and the Gross return in field $193 $112 $196 $313
land’s capabilities. Average storage loss 0% 0% 12% 13%
Laying out or designing a pasture Gross return after storage $193 $112 $172 $273
system involves many decisions, includ- Total cost $64 $35 $156 201
ing how many paddocks the system will Profit $129 $75 $20 $58
have and their size, location of water Source: Farmer Profitability with Intensive Rotational Grazing. L. Cunningham and G. Han-
sources, lane placement, and livestock son, Penn State University. 1995. Note: Feeding loss was not measured. Pasture was valued
based on dry matter nutrient value compared to the nutrient value and market price of dry hay.
flow around working facilities.
Table 3. Effect of year-round continuous vs. rotational stocking of endophyte-free tall fes-
Table 1. Increase in beef gain per acre in cue and common bermudagrass mixed grass pastures at Central Georgia Branch Station,
rotational grazing compared to continuous Eatonton, Ga., 3-year average.
grazing. Continuous Rotational Difference, %
State % Increase Stocking rate, cow-calf units per 0.50 0.68 +36
Arkansas 44 acre
Georgia 37 Calf weaning weight, lb 502 502 0
Oklahoma 35 Total calf gain per acre, lb 251 342 +36
Virginia 61 Cow pregnancy rate, % 94 93 0
Hay fed per cow, lb 2,390 1,690 -29
Source: Dr. Carl Hoveland, University of Georgia.
7
Both cool- and warm-season forages are needed for a sound graz- A leafy, high-quality mix of grasses and legumes can be achieved
ing system. This field of switchgrass in Owen County provides sum- through well-managed rotational grazing.
mer pasture for these stockers and complements tall fescue, which
is used in spring and fall.
Physical Components of Forage Supply season species (tall fescue, orchardgrass,
timothy, white clover, and red clover)
Rotational Grazing Systems A good rotational grazing system
perform best in spring and after the
begins with a forage system that allows
A good rotational grazing plan will weather cools down in the fall. Warm-
the maximum number of grazing days
include four main physical components: season species (bermudagrass, eastern
per year with forages that are suited to
forage supply, fencing system, water sup- gamagrass, alfalfa, and annual lespedeza)
the land, livestock, and the manager’s
ply, and shade. perform better in midsummer.
abilities and objectives.
Forage species should be matched to
Forage can be divided into two cat-
soils that will maximize their yield and
egories: cool-season and warm-season
growth. For example, tall fescue and
species, which differ in their seasonal
white clover are well adapted to thin soils
ability to produce grazable yield. Cool-
Steps in Setting Up a Grazing Program 5. The next step is more difficult and requires patience. Subdivide
the permanent fields in near-equal sizes, keeping the pad-
1. Start with a good aerial photograph of your pastures—the docks as square as possible. Plan and plan again. Draw lines,
larger the scale, the better. These photographs are avail- think, erase, and try again. Even when you start to fence, use
able at the local office of the Farm Service Agency office and temporary fencing so it will be easy to change. Try to use exist-
USDA National Resources Conservation Service (NCRS) online ing water if possible.
sources. Just be sure you have a scale map. A soils map is also 6. At this point you are already doing a good job of grazing, and
a valuable tool. A soils map, a list of descriptions , and some it is time to refine the process. You should have enough pad-
professional guidance are available through the NCRS. A grid docks so that your livestock will be moving every seven days or
for counting acres is also handy. It will help you even up the less. Place water in every paddock. This practice will allow you
odd-size fields in total acres. to make the paddocks as square as possible. You should also
2. On your aerial photo, mark the property line, all roads, build- have shade in as many paddocks as possible, especially those
ings, livestock-working areas, milk parlors, other permanent that will be grazed in the summertime.
facilities, and existing water and shade. 7. At some point you will want a system that will allow you to
3. Using the soils map, mark the major soils changes, consider- move your livestock to any part of the farm as needed, which
ing both slope and quality of the soils. Then adjust these lines will require a system of alleyways or lanes. All lanes should
to make them workable as markers for your first permanent allow you to take an animal anywhere you need to if she has
fences. trouble birthing, is sick, or is scheduled for deworming and
4. Draw around any crop fields if their soils are different from the vaccination. This system will also allow you to graze more than
soil breaks. You may also want to identify areas with different one herd at a time. You may also want to build some sorting
forages, such as alfalfa or warm-season grasses. Divide the squares to separate livestock as needed without moving them
farm along existing water sources. to the barn. This system of alleyways/lanes will let you be in
Your completed map should control of the grazing on your farm and make it easy to move
• be a basic grazing system with water in each field cattle to your handling facilities, chutes, or scales.
• be divided based on productivity
• have enough fields to begin rotational grazing
8
or steeply sloping sites that hold water
for growth in spring but often become
droughty in summer. Because they hold
little moisture for summer growth, these
fields would be poor choices for maxi-
mizing productivity of warm-season
forages. In another example, highly
productive forages such as alfalfa should
be planted on the deepest, best drained
soils.
Most forage systems in Kentucky are
based on cool-season forages such as tall
fescue, orchardgrass, white clover, and
red clover, which produce an abundance
of forage in the spring and most falls but
are not productive in mid-to-late sum-
mer.
The two biggest challenges in de- High-tensile electrified wire is a viable and economic alternative to conventional fencing
veloping a balanced forage system are materials such as woven wire, and it enables a fencing system to be built more quickly.
maintaining supplies of quality forage in
midsummer and extending the grazing
season as long as possible into the fall
and early winter. Many forage species are
capable of midsummer production, but
they all have disadvantages that prevent
their use for some producers. Alfalfa, as
noted above, requires deep, well-drained
soils, and it also requires a high level
of management for best performance.
Eastern gamagrass and other native
warm-season perennial grasses are slow
to establish, and seed is expensive com-
pared to other cool-season forages. Sum-
mer annuals such as sorghum sudangrass
and the millets must be seeded each year
and require inputs of fertilizer nitrogen
to maximize yield. However, a balanced
and well-planned grazing system will Temporary fencing materials such as tread-in posts and electrified polytape allow for quick
include some acreage of warm-season subdivision of existing pastures.
forages that can be used as rescue crops
in midsummer or in short periods of heat
and drought stress when cool-season
that provide pasture in fall and winter. for growth than reproductive operations,
species are less productive.
Fall pasture options include stockpiled in which the mother’s milk helps support
An efficient grazing management plan
tall fescue, small grains, turnips or other calf/kid/foal performance.
should attempt to match pasture growth
brassicas, and annual ryegrass.
to animal needs and offer the potential
for minimum pasture to be harvested
Stocker operations are usually one of Fencing System
two types: Use of low-cost, versatile fencing to
and stored as hay or silage. Livestock sys-
• buying in the spring and selling in the reduce pasture size can transfer decision
tems managed for reproduction will have
fall making from the animal to the manager.
the greatest forage needs in the birthing
• buying in the winter, overwintering on Rotational grazing usually relies on an
and breeding season; forage needs will
hay or stockpiled pasture, and turning electrified fencing system to subdivide
drop off after weaning. Spring-calving/
out on spring pasture larger pastures into smaller grazing units.
kidding herds need the quality and quan-
tity of spring and early summer pasture Development of high-voltage, low-im-
Both systems provide freedom to sell pedance electric chargers allows fencing
but must rely on stored forage in late
all or part of the stockers as forage growth of large acreages without losing voltage
winter. Fall-calving/kidding herds rely
slows. Stocker operations are much more due to fence-line vegetation. These ener-
more on hay or silage and forage crops
sensitive to forage quality and quantity gizers send high-voltage, short-duration
9
pulses down the fence. Although 2,000
volts is considered adequate to control
most stock, most fence chargers and
systems should start with around 7,000
volts.
There is no standard system for com-
parison of energizers, and every manu-
facturer has a different scale. Joules are
the most common measure of power in
energizers. The joule rating is calculated
using a combination of voltage, amper-
age, and pulse duration. Changing any
of them affects the rating. Generally
speaking, fencing system needs will grow,
so obtain enough energizer capacity to
cover future needs. Energizers come in
mains, or plug-in units, as well as battery
and solar units. It is best to use a plug-in Electrified polytape (available in widths up to 1½ inches) is very visible and can be used for
energizer if possible because it delivers subdivision fencing for horse pasture. The twist in the polytape makes it flutter in the wind,
more charge (joules) per dollar spent. resulting in greater visibility.
A good ground is essential for the ef-
fectiveness of any electric fence system.
The energizer’s ground is like a radio In Kentucky, the most economical galvanized (Class III). Smaller diameter
antennae. A large radio collecting waves controlled grazing fencing system is high-tensile wire is also now being used,
from a long distance needs large anten- often one that includes a combination of particularly on interior division or pad-
nae, and a large energizer powering a lot permanent, electric, smooth, high-tensile dock fences. This type of wire includes
of fence needs a large ground system with wire fencing and temporary portable 14½-gauge and 16-gauge thicknesses.
a minimum of three 6-foot galvanized polywire (available on reels). An advan- The use of such wire has implications for
ground rods. These rods may be placed tage of the reel is that it allows rapid setup energizer selection (since smaller wire
in the ground at an angle if there is less and takedown of fence for temporary has a greater resistance to current flow)
than 6 ft of soil. Ground rods should be arrangements or strip grazing. Portable and in the length of fencing that can be
driven in a damp place, if possible, such fiberglass fence posts are often used energized.
as under the drip of the barn roof or in a with the portable braided wire, with one For interior and temporary fences, a
low area. strand of wire used for grazing of large more flexible, low-tension wire is popular.
An electric fence can be built in either animals and two strands for calves. Since Small-diameter, high-tensile wire can be
of two ways. With the all-live system, ev- it is electrified, high-tensile wire for the used, but many producers prefer a slightly
ery wire in the fence is energized, and the permanent fence often can be installed softer grade of wire since it is somewhat
conduction of electrons back to the en- using low-tension techniques. easier to work with when moving and
ergizer depends on the soil. This system handling the fence. An excellent alterna-
is generally effective in the southeastern Types of Fencing tive for temporary installations is braided
United States because soils in this region Following is an overview of several wire, which contains fine-gauge steel
have high mineral content and adequate types of fencing and their appropriate wires braided with polyethylene strands
rainfall. Also, in an all-live system, a limb place in a controlled grazing system: into a wire, ribbon, or tape. These wires
or branch can fall across the wires and For permanent boundary fence instal- work quite well for installations of up to
the fence will remain energized. lations, New Zealand-type high-tensile 1,200 ft. Because of the lower cross-sec-
The other system is the hot ground wire is suggested. This is 12½-gauge tional area of steel, energizer requirements
system, which has one or more fence high tensile smooth wire that is heavily differ from those of smooth high-tensile
wires connected to the positive termi-
nal of the energizer and the rest of the
wires connected to the ground terminal. Table 4. Sample water requirements for cattle, gallons per head per day.
This system works well in sandy, arid Gal per lb 500-lb Calf, 750-lb Calf, 1,100-lb Dry 1,100-lb
areas—moist soil is not necessary to Temp, F DM 12 lb DMI 16.6 lb DMI Cow Nursing Cow
deliver a charge. The main disadvantage 40 0.37 4.4 6.1 7.4 8.1
of the hot ground system is that it is high 60 0.46 5.5 7.6 9.2 10.1
maintenance. If any charged wire touches 80 0.62 7.4 10.3 12.4 13.6
a ground wire, the whole system shorts 90 0.88 10.6 14.6 17.6 19.4
out. Rarely is a hot ground system needed Source: Winchester and Morris, 1956.
in the eastern United States.
10Consider using the raw water source
of springs. They are an excellent source
of water but are as different as grazing
systems. A stream of water the size of a
pencil and a large collection tank could
water up to 70 to 100 beef cows. Also
consider ponds as a water source. Water-
ing from tanks below ponds is strongly
preferred to watering directly out of the
pond. The pipe should be installed under
the dam when building the pond. The
pipe then can go directly to a tank or
to a collection basin. Water can then be
pumped anywhere on the farm.
Shade
Shade is necessary to maximize live-
An effective water distribution system is essential to the grazing system. This permanent stock performance. Heat stress in the
water tank was developed from a spring and provides an inexpensive source of water on a absence of shade can have several effects.
Metcalfe County farm. Black-hided cattle, for example, can suf-
fer from heat stress on bright sunny days
in late summer when air temperature is
wire. Some newer braided wires have Cooling water has been shown to reduce comfortable.
more steel (thus less resistance), so they heat load and allow increased feed intake. Cows with natural shade spend more
can be used in longer runs. Studies with dairy cattle have shown the time grazing and less time standing than
most acceptable water temperature to be cows without shade. Natural shade from
Water Supply in the 60° to 80°F range. Using insulated large, well-canopied trees is the most
Water is possibly the most important, drinking receptacles or building shades effective. This type of shade intercepts
but least considered, nutrient for live- over the water tank can reduce heating radiation from the sun and provides
stock. It is needed for virtually every body from the summer sun. Insulated or heat- some air cooling through evaporation of
function. Many factors influence water ed waterers will be needed for pasturing moisture from leaves.
intake. As air temperature increases stockpiled forage in late fall and winter. Artificial shade also will reduce heat
above 40° F, water intake increases per Location of water in the grazing site stress, but attention must be paid to the
lb of dry matter consumed (Table 4). will greatly influence grazing distribu- type, orientation, and square footage per
Lactating livestock require more wa- tion. During hot weather, livestock con- head. Hay or straw on wire are the best
ter than dry animals, and at a constant gregate nearer the water source, resulting types of artificial shade because they
temperature, livestock consuming more in less use of pasture farther from it. have high insulation value, low bottom
feed need greater water intake. Similarly, Research has shown that the maximum surface reflectance, and loss of absorbed
if water intake becomes limited, feed distance cattle will travel to water with- heat to the air by convection. Aluminum
intake will decrease, and performance out decreasing grazing uniformity is 800 panels painted white on top and black on
will be limited. Lush pasture can be ft. As travel distance increases above that the bottom are also effective. Direct heat
70% or more water and can decrease the amount, pasture use decreases. from the sun is well reflected by the white
amount of water that must be supplied in Developing Water Sources: Each situ- paint, and the black bottom absorbs
the water system, at least on a short-term ation is different, and flexibility is re- the heat from the ground and animals.
basis. warded when it comes to developing Snow fence or shade cloth may also be
Water intake restrictions can result water sources. used, but they are less effective than the
from inadequate access of livestock to the Although there is a monthly cost, other materials mentioned here. Both let
water source, water temperature, and wa- public water supplies are often the best through some sun, so they don’t provide
ter quality. Quality is determined by total solution to livestock water needs when complete shading. For maximum shad-
dissolved solids (TDS). High TDS levels development, maintenance, and reli- ing, the long axis of the artificial shade
may not pose serious health risks but ability are considered. At some point in should be oriented on an east-west line.
may decrease total water intake. Water developing a management system, a Most research shows that 45 to 60 sq ft
exposed to direct sunlight (tanks, ponds) pressurized water system will become a per cow is desirable.
can become quite warm in the hot days necessity. It will provide water where it is
of summer, resulting in lower intakes. needed instead of forcing the manager to
Regardless of why decreased water work with a few water sites.
intake occurs, performance will suffer.
11triangle, pie, etc.). Square paddocks allow
animals to obtain their daily ration of
forages with a minimum of grazing time,
effort, and trampling damage. Studies
have shown that square paddocks are
more economical to construct than other
shapes (Figure 3). Having exactly square
paddocks is not absolutely necessary, but
avoid long, narrow paddocks. Whenever
possible, fence across slopes rather than
up and down slopes.
Horses and Rotational
Grazing
As a spot grazer, horses are selective in
which parts of the plant they will graze.
Typically, horses select the more imma-
Temporary or seasonal water systems can reduce distance traveled to drink and increase
pasture utilization. Small to medium-sized tanks can easily be moved from paddock to ture plant material, even when adequate
paddock. forage is available. Horses also show
preferences for particular forage types.
UK research has shown distinct grazing
preferences in which horses select one
Pasture Number and Size University of Kentucky modeling
studies compared continuous grazing species of grass over another to the point
One of the most frequently asked with rotational grazing (four paddocks that they overgraze that species while
questions by producers who want to start and eight paddocks) for beef production virtually ignoring other available forages.
a rotational grazing program is “How on endophyte-free tall fescue. Produc- This preferential grazing behavior can
many paddocks should I have?” Answers tion ranged from 683 lb per acre for result in some pasture areas being grazed
appear contradictory: continuous grazing to 810 lb per acre to bare ground.
• One pasture can be grazed just as ef- for eight paddocks. The most striking
ficiently as many. difference was the four-paddock system,
or which showed an increase of 112 lb of Figure 3. Effect of pasture shape on
• Regardless of how many paddocks beef per acre over the continuous system. amount of fencing needed around 1 acre.
there are, divide them again, and more The eight-paddock system showed a
money can be made. Shapes Length
127-pound increase in beef per acre over
The truth lies somewhere between the continuous system. The rotational 744'
these extremes. system increased returns by $77 to $103
In general, one should consider start- per acre.
ing with five to 10 paddocks, which will University of Missouri research- 836'
allow a paddock to be grazed in three to ers compared the effect of 3-, 12-, and
seven days and rested for 25 to 30 days. 24-paddock systems on the performance
In most cases, four paddocks should be of beef cow-calf and stockers grazing L=2xW 888'
considered a minimum. Table 5 contains cool-season grass and clover. When all
several formulas that can help determine costs and returns were compared, the 60°
paddock number and size. three-paddock system resulted in $84.36 951'
Some systems in the United States and increase above pasture, animal, and inter- 60° 60°
New Zealand have as many as 30 to 60 or est cost, the 12-paddock system showed
45°
even more paddocks. Many of these are a $115.43 increase, and the 24-paddock
dairy farms where pastures are changed system showed a $117.74 increase. These 1,007'
after each milking. Several studies have results suggest that going to 12 paddocks 45°
been conducted in the United States, yielded a profit of $31. Going from 12 to
and they generally show that for most 24 paddocks resulted in only a $2.31 per L=4xW 1,040'
beef operations, the added benefit above acre increase.
8 to 12 paddocks may not be worth the Shape of individual paddocks is 1 43,560 87,122'
additional cost of fencing, water, labor, important. Within practical limits,
and management. square paddocks are the most efficient Source: Garry Lacefield, University of Kentucky.
compared with other shapes (rectangle,
12Table 5. Grazing mathematics.
days of rest • Days of rest: Values range from 10 or less for grasses during periods
Number of paddocks = +1 of rapid growth to 30 for legumes and even more for periods of slow
days of grazing growth.
• Days of grazing: Varies from 1 to 7 and up. Shorter times on a pad-
Example: dock yield greater season-long utilization and less waste, selectivity,
28 days rest and regrowth grazing.
Number of paddocks = + 1 = 8 paddocks
4 days grazing
Acres required per paddock = • Weight: Weight per head, in pounds.
• Percent DMI: Percent dry matter intake, ranging from 2% to 4%.
weight x % DMI x number x days per paddock • Number: Number of head to be grazed.
• Days per paddock: Amount of time that animals are to be allowed
DM per acre x % utilization
to graze in a given paddock. Values can range from 1 to 7 and up. To
keep animals from grazing regrowth, keep days per paddock to 7 or
Example: less.
Acres required per paddock = • DM per acre: Estimate of total forage dry matter available per acre as
the animals enter a paddock.
500 lb x 3% x 100 head x 4 days • Percent utilization: Portion of the available forage per acre that
= 5 acres animals will consume during a grazing period. Improved grazing
2,000 lb per acre x 60%
systems can result in utilization of 60% for grasses and 75% for
legumes.
Total acres required per grazing cycle = • Number of paddocks will be determined by the length of the rest
and grazing periods.
number of paddocks x acres required per paddock • Acres required per paddock are determined by amount of forage
needed each day by the grazing herd divided by the grazable
forage dry matter per acre.
Example: • The number of acres needed per grazing cycle will vary with the
Total acres required per grazing cycle = growth rate of the forage. As the growth rate slows, the number
of acres required to supply 3% DMI and maintain 4 days on and
8 paddocks x 5 acres per paddock = 40 acres 28 days off a paddock will increase.
number of animals to be grazed • Stocking rate and stocking density are often confused. Stocking rate
Stocking rate = applies to an entire grazing period (in this example, 32 days) or can
total acres grazed be thought of as a season-long or whole-farm statistic.
Example: 100 head
Stocking rate = = 2.5 head per acre
40 acres
number of animals grazing on a paddock • Stocking density is the stocking rate at a given point in time. In
Stocking density = this example, 100 steers are grazing in a 5-acre paddock, which
paddock size is a stocking density of 20 head per acre. Stocking density can be
expressed as the number of pounds of grazing animals per acre at a
Example: given point in time (in this case, 10,000 lb per acre).
100 head = 20 head per acre
Stocking density =
5 acres
13When rotational grazing is practiced, warmer summer days, because summer sure to larva of gastrointestinal parasites.
horse owners can, to some degree, con- heat and exposure to sunlight helps con- Unfortunately, few studies have been
trol spot-grazing behavior. Horses can trol parasites. Horse owners should allow conducted in Kentucky to measure the
be put into a paddock when the average 21 to 28 days between rotations for forage benefits of managing goats in a rotational
height of the forage is 6 to 8 inches and regrowth. Amount of regrowth will be grazing system.
removed when the average height of the affected by environmental conditions In 2006 and 2007, a study was con-
forage across the paddock is 3 to 4 inches. and the amount of forage material left in ducted in Greenup County, Kentucky,
Because of a horse’s grazing behavior, the paddock. to compare rotational grazing vs. con-
portions of the paddock may be grazed to Pay attention to how much forage is tinuous grazing in a meat goat produc-
below the 3-inch level, while other areas available, and let forage height dictate tion system. Based on the results of this
may still be at 6 to 8 inches, which can when horses are moved to a new pasture. study, rotational grazing did not result in
result in preferred areas being extensively It is better to move a day early than a day improved animal weight gain or a signifi-
overgrazed and taller forage not grazed at late. If regrowth of the pasture is slow, cant reduction in pressure from internal
all. If overgrazing or spot grazing begins horse owners may need to consider hold- parasites (based on FAMACHA scores)
to occur, it is important to rotate horses ing horses in an area and feeding hay to compared to continuous grazing. These
to the next paddock. Mowing may be allow pastures to regrow to prevent seri- results were probably affected by the ex-
required in the first paddock to even ous overgrazing. Well-managed pastures treme dry weather conditions both years
pasture height so that spot grazing is with an effective rotational system can and the need for feed supplementation.
reduced in the next grazing cycle. reduce feed costs, maintain a good forage However, does showed lower final fecal
With a well-managed rotational sys- base, and increase forage produced. parasite egg counts on the rotational vs.
tem, mature horses at maintenance will continuous grazing, which suggests that
generally maintain body weight. Grazing Goats and Rotational Grazing barber pole worm egg production may
projects at UK with mature horses on a Goats are known as top-down graz- be affected by the grazing system. In gen-
cool-season pasture maintained body ers, meaning that they prefer to graze eral, forage availability was greater in the
weights over a number of summer graz- vegetation above their shoulders and rotationally grazed paddocks than in the
ing periods. In addition, grazing projects work their way down the plant. Other continuously grazed pasture through-
at UK with bermudagrass have shown livestock species, including cattle, sheep out the grazing season. Care should be
that mature horses can maintain body and horses, prefer to graze much shorter taken when designing rotational grazing
weight throughout the summer. In 2009, vegetation than goats. Goats also tend to systems for goats, because systems with
a group of 2- and 3-year-old horses had prefer browse (shrubs and small trees), common water, shade, or alleyways will
acceptable growth rates, with minimal while cattle and horses prefer grasses. allow frequent close grazing in areas that
supplementation, while on pasture. Grazing systems that allow all types of have high parasitic pressure.
Horse owners should consider the fol- pasture plants time to recover are more Fencing costs may be higher for goat
lowing management practices when they likely to meet the grazing preference of vs. cattle production. Woven wire fencing
are rotationally grazing their pastures: goats. for predator control on perimeters and
Mow the paddock to a 4-inch height In theory, goats managed in a ro- multi-strand fencing for interior fenc-
after moving the horses from the pad- tational system should realize greater ing may be necessary for keeping goats
dock to help control spot grazing. average daily gains or at least maintain in designated paddocks. Other benefits
Drag the paddock to disturb and scat- their weight compared to those grazed of rotational grazing for goats include
ter the manure to help it break down and in a continual system. Rotational grazing maintaining a sustainable forage base,
reduce its buildup. Ideally, horse owners should also allow goats to graze higher in increased forage production, and a more
should drag the paddock during the the forage canopy, reducing their expo- even distribution of manure.
14Good Grazing Management Table 6. Guidelines for rotational stocking of selected forage crops.
Target Height (inches) Usual Days
Good grazing management achieves Crop Begin Grazing End Grazinga of Rest
the right balance between standing for- Alfalfa (hay types) 10-16 2-4 35-40
age availability, forage utilization, and Alfalfa (grazing types) 10-16 2-4 15-30
animal performance. The good manager Bahiagrass 6-10 1-2 10-20
stocks pastures heavily enough to graze Bermudagrass 4-8 1-2 7-15
available forage down to a target height Big bluestem 15-20 10-12 30-45
that will allow rapid and maximum Caucasian bluestem (and other Old 10-20 4-6 14-21
regrowth (during the growing season) World bluestems)
without compromising nutritional needs Clover, white, and subterraneanb 6-8 1-3 7-15
of livestock. A good manager will observe Clovers, all othersb 8-10 3-5 10-20
pastures frequently for overgrazing and Eastern gamagrass 18-22 10-12 30-45
undergrazing and will periodically adjust Fescue, tall 4-8 2-3 15-30
the stocking rate or movement of cattle Indiangrass 12-16 6-10 30-40
as needed. Guidelines for beginning Johnsongrass 16-20 8-12 30-40
and ending grazing heights and usual Kentucky bluegrass 8-10 1-3 7-15
days of rest for several pasture crops are Orchardgrass 8-12 3-6 15-30
contained in Table 6. Pearl millet 20-24 8-12 10-20
A sound rotational grazing system is Ryegrass, annual 6-12 3-4 7-15
a worthy goal for Kentucky producers for Sericea lespedeza 8-15 4-6 20-30
three main reasons. Such a system Small grains 8-12 4 7-15
• helps managers efficiently use forage to Smooth bromegrass 8-12 3-4 20-30
meet the nutritional needs of livestock Sorghum, forage 20-24 8-12 10-20
• helps managers optimize forage yield, Sorghum/sudan hybrids 20-24 8-12 10-20
quality, and persistence Switchgrass 18-22 8-12 30-45
• increases profit by improving grazing Source: Excerpted from Forage Pocket Guide, developed by Don Ball, Garry Lacefield, and
livestock efficiency and productivity Carl Hoveland. 1999.
Note: These are merely guidelines. Stocking rates and growing conditions greatly affect for-
age growth. Also, the more closely pastures are grazed, the longer the rest period gener-
The components of a good rotational ally needs to be for species that are sensitive to defoliation.
grazing system are a balanced forage sys- a The nutritional requirements of the livestock being grazed should be considered when
tem, an electric fencing system, distrib- deciding when to end grazing. The closer a pasture is grazed, the lower forage quality
uted water supply, and adequate shade will be toward the end of that particular grazing cycle. Greater residual heights may be
for livestock. These components can be desired for animals with higher nutritional requirements (for example, stocker cattle vs.
cows and calves).
designed and customized to fit the needs b Clovers are typically grown in pastures in mixtures with grasses. White clover and subter-
of each farm. High-quality pasture is es- ranean clover are quite tolerant of close defoliation; most other clovers are not.
sential for Kentucky’s livestock industry,
but most fields are too big to be managed
efficiently, so smaller, easier-to-manage
pastures in a rotational system should be
considered.
15Grazing Terminology Forward creep: A method of creep graz- Pasture: A type of grazing management
ing in which dams and offspring ro- unit enclosed and separated from other
Aftermath: Forage grown following a tate through a series of paddocks with areas by fencing or other barriers and
harvest. offspring as first grazers and dams as devoted, primarily by grazing, to the
last grazers. A specific form of first-last production of forage for harvest.
Animal unit day: The amount of dry for- grazing.
age consumed by one animal unit per Put-and-take stocking: The use of variable
24-hour period. Grazing land: Any vegetated land that is animal numbers during a grazing period
grazed or has the potential to be grazed or grazing season with a periodic adjust-
Carrying capacity: The maximum stock- by animals. ment in animal numbers in an attempt
ing rate that will achieve a target level
to maintain desired sward management
of animal performance in a specified Grazing management unit: The grazing
criteria—a desired quantity of forage,
grazing method that can be applied over land area used to support a group of graz-
degree of defoliation, or grazing pressure.
a defined time period without deteriora- ing animals for a grazing season. It may
tion of the ecosystem. be a single area, or it may have a number Rotational stocking: A grazing method
of subdivisions. that uses recurring periods of grazing and
Continuous stocking: A method of graz- rest between two or more paddocks in a
ing livestock on a specific unit of land Grazing pressure: The relationship be-
grazing management unit throughout
in which animals have unrestricted and tween the number of animal units or for-
the period when grazing is allowed.
uninterrupted access throughout the age intake units and the weight of forage
time period when grazing is allowed. dry matter per unit area at any one point Short-duration grazing: Not an accept-
in time; an animal-to-forage relationship. able term.
Creep grazing: The practice of allowing The opposite of forage allowance.
juvenile animals to graze areas that their Stocking density: The relationship be-
dams cannot access at the same time. Intensive grazing management: Grazing tween the number of animals and the
management that attempts to increase specific unit of land being grazed at any
Deferred grazing: The delaying of grazing production or utilization per unit area or single point in time.
in a nonsystematic rotation with other
production per animal through a relative
land units. Stocking rate: The relationship between
increase in stocking rates, forage utiliza-
the number of animals and the grazing
Extensive grazing management: Grazing tion, labor, resources, or capital.
management unit used over a specified
management that uses relatively large Mixed or co-species grazing: Grazing by time period.
land areas per animal and a relatively low two or more animal species on the same
level of labor, resources, or capital. Stockpiling forage: To allow forage to
land unit, not necessarily at the same
accumulate for grazing at a later period.
First-last grazing: A method of using two time but within the same grazing season.
or more groups of animals, usually with Sward: A population of herbaceous plants
Mob grazing: In the management of a
different nutritional requirements, to characterized by a relatively short growth
grazing unit, grazing by a relatively large
graze sequentially on the same land area. habit and relatively continuous ground-
number of animals at a high stocking
cover, including both aboveground and
Forage allowance: The relationship be- density for a short time period.
belowground parts.
tween the weight of forage dry matter per Nonselective grazing: Utilization of forage
unit area and the number of animal units Vegetative: Involving nonreproductive
by grazing animals so all forage species
or forage intake units at any one point in plant parts (leaf and stem), the nonre-
and/or all plants within a species are
time; a forage-to-animal relationship. The productive stage in plant development.
grazed.
opposite of grazing pressure.
Paddock: A grazing area that is a subdivi-
Forage crop: A crop of cultivated plants or sion of a grazing management unit and is
plant parts (other than separated grain)
enclosed and separated from other areas Excerpted from Terminology for Grazing Lands
produced to be grazed or harvested for
by a fence or barrier. and Grazing Animals, Forage and Grazing
use as animal feed.
Terminology Committee, Dr. V. Allen, Chair,
Pocahontas Press Inc., Blacksburg, Virginia.
Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. Issued in furtherance of Coop-
erative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, M. Scott Smith, Director of Cooperative Extension Programs, Uni-
versity of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Lexington, and Kentucky State University, Frankfort. Copyright © 2011 for materials developed by University of Kentucky Cooperative
Extension. This publication may be reproduced in portions or its entirety for educational or nonprofit purposes only. Permitted users shall give credit to the author(s) and include
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