|
Rotational grazing provides a higher live weight gain per acre than conventional
grazing systems. A properly managed tame pasture can provide a return per acre equal to,
or better than, the same land in other crops.
More efficient pasture use and livestock management result in a higher net economic
return to the producer.
A high stocking density is more efficient
Stocking density is the number of animals on a particular piece of land at a given
point in time. Concentrating the herd in one paddock of the system at a time translates
into a high stocking density. Using small paddocks also increases stocking density.
A high stocking density increases competition for feed between animals, forcing each to
spend more time eating and less time wandering.
Competition also forces animals to be less selective when grazing. They will eat
species of plants that would be ignored in other grazing systems. This results in a
reduction of less desirable plant species in the pasture.
Paddocks allow easier intensive management
There are three phases of forage plant growth. In the initial phase, the plant grows
slowly. Grazing during this stage can be harmful to the plant.
The second phase, transition stage, exhibits rapid growth and lush, leafy plant
material. Ideally, a well-managed pasture is always in the transition phase, however this
is difficult to achieve.
During the final, reproductive stage the plant has a high percentage of stems and seed
heads. Given the choice, animals will pass this plant over for more palatable plants.
The challenge is to delay plant maturity by grazing, keeping it in the lush
transitional stage as long as possible. Grazing can be controlled to make the most
efficient use of forages in the pasture by moving the herd from paddock to paddock to
graze the forage while it is in this optimum stage.
Rotation of the herd through the paddocks will be fastest when plant growth is most
vigorous, usually in spring and early summer. The rest period required for the forage is
shortest when it is growing quickly. The grazing period will be short so that the herd can
move to the next paddock before it grows past the transition stage.
Using small paddocks also limits the area an animal can roam, reducing the amount of
energy wasted on moving about.
Good forage increases grazing efficiency
An animal grazes most efficiently when forage is six to nine inches high. Under these
conditions, a cow can eat as much as three percent of its own body weight of dry matter
per day. The combination of lush, nutritious forages and a minimum of energy expended in
grazing results in an optimum weight gain per acre. If there isn't enough forage available
to satisfy this requirement, the animal must range further or lose performance.
Rotating the herd prevents overgrazing
Overgrazing is not a function of too many cattle, it is a function of time. Overgrazing
occurs when a plant that has been grazed is grazed again before it can regrow and
replenish its root reserves. If regrazing continues, the plant draws nutrients from its
own roots and may eventually die. Short grazing periods will ensure regrazing does not
occur.
Closer
contact with the herd means better livestock management
A rotational grazing system requires more management input than conventional grazing
systems. But because of frequent contact with the herd, there are more opportunities to
check animals for disease.
It also provides the opportunity to visually assess the progress of the herd or of
individual animals.
Proper management provides sustained production
Pasture is a valuable resource and when properly managed, can provide for today and for
the future.
Much of the land presently in pasture is marginal for crop production. Having it in
well-managed pasture is a benefit to the producer, as well as society at large. A
well-managed soil is not blowing away or silting lakes and water reservoirs.
|
