9.2 Rotational grazing and pasture management

Rotational grazing is a game-changer for pasture management. It's all about moving livestock between paddocks, giving plants time to recover. This method keeps pastures healthy and productive, while making the most of your land.

Proper planning is key to successful rotational grazing. You'll need to consider paddock size, grazing periods, and rest times. Electric fencing is a handy tool for flexibility. Remember, healthy pastures mean happy animals and better production.

Rotational Grazing Systems

Paddock System and Grazing Periods

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Top images from around the web for Paddock System and Grazing Periods

• 

  Dr Richard Teague - Achieving Sustainable Farming Through Regenerative Cropping & Grazing ... View original

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• 

  Frontiers | Management of Grazed Landscapes to Increase Soil Carbon Stocks in Temperate, Dryland ... View original

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• 

  Frontiers | Designing Diverse Agricultural Pastures for Improving Ruminant Production Systems View original

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  Dr Richard Teague - Achieving Sustainable Farming Through Regenerative Cropping & Grazing ... View original

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• Rotational grazing systems divide pastures into smaller sections called paddocks
  • Allows for controlled grazing and rest periods for each paddock
• Livestock are moved from one paddock to another on a regular schedule
  • Grazing periods in each paddock typically range from a few days to a few weeks depending on pasture size, herd size, and forage growth
• Grazing periods are carefully timed to optimize forage consumption and prevent overgrazing
  • Overgrazing occurs when plants are grazed too frequently or too heavily, leading to reduced root growth and plant vigor

Rest Periods and Mob Grazing

• Rest periods allow pastures to recover and regrow after being grazed
  • Length of rest period depends on factors such as climate, soil type, and forage species (typically 20-60 days)
  • Adequate rest periods are crucial for maintaining pasture health and productivity
• Mob grazing is a type of rotational grazing that involves high stock density for short periods
  • Large number of animals are confined to a small area for a brief time (usually 12-24 hours) before being moved to a new paddock
  • Intensive grazing followed by long rest periods can stimulate forage growth and improve soil health

Pasture Health and Management

Forage Diversity and Soil Health

• Diverse pastures with a mix of grasses, legumes, and forbs provide balanced nutrition for livestock
  • Examples of beneficial forage species include perennial ryegrass, white clover, and chicory
• Forage diversity also improves soil health by promoting a variety of root systems and nutrient cycling
  • Deep-rooted plants like alfalfa can help break up compacted soils and access water and nutrients from deeper layers
• Healthy soils have good structure, organic matter content, and microbial activity
  • Practices like rotational grazing, minimizing tillage, and applying compost can improve soil health

Pasture Recovery and Carrying Capacity

• Pasture recovery refers to the time required for forage plants to regrow after grazing
  • Recovery time varies depending on factors such as plant species, weather conditions, and grazing intensity
• Monitoring pasture recovery is important for determining when to move livestock to the next paddock
  • Indicators of readiness for grazing include plant height (typically 6-8 inches for cool-season grasses) and leaf stage (e.g., 3-4 leaf stage for most grasses)
• Carrying capacity is the number of animals a pasture can support without causing degradation
  • Determined by factors such as forage productivity, animal type and size, and grazing system
  • Stocking rates should be adjusted based on carrying capacity to prevent overgrazing and maintain pasture health

Infrastructure and Tools

Electric Fencing Systems

• Electric fencing is a common tool used in rotational grazing systems to manage livestock movement and access to pastures
  • Consists of a power source (usually a battery or solar-powered energizer) and conductive wire or tape
  • Animals receive a mild shock when they touch the fence, deterring them from crossing
• Portable electric fencing allows for flexible paddock design and easy adjustment of grazing areas
  • Examples include electric netting, polywire, and step-in posts
• Proper installation and maintenance of electric fencing is important for effectiveness and animal safety
  • Regularly check for damage, ensure adequate grounding, and maintain appropriate voltage (usually 2,000-5,000 volts for cattle)