Getting Started with Intensive Grazing

 

 Why Intensive Grazing?

Producers adopt intensive grazing systems for several key benefits:

  • Increased forage production
  • Higher stocking rates
  • Improved cattle management
  • Extended grazing season
  • Better utilization of forage quality
  • Reduced machinery use
  • Greater economic return per acre
 

Understanding Pasture Growth

Pasture growth differs from harvested forage systems due to selective grazing and seasonal growth patterns. Most forages grow rapidly early in the season and slow later. Effective management balances livestock needs with forage availability by:

  • Allowing rest and recovery to maintain root reserves
  • Grazing before plants become overly mature
  • Adjusting grazing and rest periods
  • Harvesting surplus forage for hay when necessary

A diagram of a plant growing AI-generated content may be incorrect. 

Forage growth is rapid early in the season and slows later. Effective grazing management requires both observation and technical planning to balance livestock needs with forage availability. Intensive management focuses on promoting forage recovery and grazing at the optimal growth stage by adjusting grazing and rest periods. Surplus forage may be harvested for hay to maintain pasture quality."

 

Grazing Habits and Forage Height

Livestock are selective grazers and will overgraze regrowth if uncontrolled. Ideal grazing height for cattle is 4–8 inches:

  • <3 inches: insufficient bite size
  • >10 inches: difficult to graze efficiently
 

Forage Requirements

  • Cow/calf pairs: Utilize lower-quality forage effectively
  • Stockers/feeders: Require higher-quality forage
  • Forage intake typically ranges from 2.5–4% of body weight (BW)
    Example: A 1,500 lb cow/calf pair at 4% BW needs 60 lbs DM/day or 3.75 tons DM per season (125 days).
    A pasture producing 3,000 lbs DM/acre would require 2.5 acres per unit.

Sheep and horses have similar needs; goats browse different species and are useful in mixed grazing systems. Stocking rates should remain conservative and be monitored, especially during drought.

 

Planning an Intensive Grazing System

  1. Pasture Plan: Map fields, fences, water sources, and topography including bush and roads.
  2. Assess Forage Quality & Quantity: Estimate productivity and convert to Animal Days per Acre or Animal Unit Months (AUM).  
    • 1 AUM = forage for 1,000 lbs live weight for one month.
  3. Determine Number of Paddocks:
    Formula:
    Rest Period ÷ Grazing Period + Number of Herds = Paddocks Needed
    Example: 30-day regrowth ÷ 5-day grazing = 6 + 1 = 7 paddocks.
  4. Stock Density: Animals per acre in a paddock during grazing. Higher density improves uniform grazing and reduces selectivity.
  5. Variable Stock Density: Adjust paddock size and number throughout the season using temporary electric fencing to maintain forage in a vegetative state.
 

Key Principle: Rest is the foundation of grazing management—plants need recovery time before regrazing.

Paddock Layout

  • Paddocks can vary in size and shape, but square paddocks are preferred for cattle to promote even grazing, uniform manure distribution, and ease of harvesting surplus forage.

A diagram of a field AI-generated content may be incorrect. 

  • Avoid long, narrow paddocks as they lead to overgrazing near water sources and undergrazing at far ends.

A diagram of different grazing types AI-generated content may be incorrect. 

  • Horses benefit from longer paddocks for exercise.
  • Fence native forages separately from seeded forages and include sacrifice areas for wet conditions.
  • Where possible, align fences along natural contours and group paddocks by forage quality to reduce selective grazing.

A diagram of a rural pasture 

 

Gates and Alleys

  • Design alleys for efficient livestock movement; keep them short to minimize manure buildup (up to 15% may be deposited in alleys).
  • Alleys should be at least 20 ft wide, with two or three wires, and avoid sharp corners.
  • Gates should be placed in paddock corners, aligned with water sources or natural traffic flow.
  • Alley surfaces should be firm and well-drained to prevent foot rot; construct crossings over soft areas if needed.
 

Water Location

  • Livestock will travel over a mile for water, but placing water within 800 ft encourages individual visits, reducing overgrazing near water sites.
  • Use PVC pipe for economical water delivery, even up to one mile.
  • Raised storage tanks and low-pressure float systems for hoses are effective for water troughs.
 

Handling Facilities

  • Design corrals for all-weather use and familiarize livestock by using them as a water source during the season.
  • Corrals should provide 25 sq. ft per head for holding, plus additional space for chutes and working areas.