Grazing
Management Considerations
April, 2022
Allie
Williams, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough
County
Feed costs typically account for the greatest
percentage of total enterprise costs in a cow-calf operation. Grazing, as
the primary feed source, can help reduce costs for your operation. The first
step is management. We often hear about pasture management, but let’s talk
about grazing management specifically.
There are a few factors to consider if you are looking to achieve
optimal forage utilization and animal performance:
-
How close to graze?
This decision will have the greatest impact on pasture and animal
productivity. Leaving adequate leaf mass after grazing is crucial for
regrowth. The recommended stubble height depends on the forage variety.
Not all forages are the same. For example, Bahiagrass can be grazed to 2
inches, while tall, bunch grasses should be grazed to a taller stubble
height. (See
Impact of Grazing Methods on Forage and Cattle Production,
Table 2 for stubble height chart).
-
Stocking Rate -
Stocking rate is the most critical
component in grazing management. Stocking rate is the number of animal
units grazing a given area of land (e.g. - # of animals/acre). This rate
is based off of grazable acres. Areas with excess brush or trees,
surface water, and/or ranch roads should be excluded when calculating
the amount of land suitable for grazing. Other factors to consider when
determining stocking rate are forage production, nutritive value,
species composition of pasture, and season. There’s a correlation
between stocking rate and animal performance. Too low of a stocking rate
would leave the forages underutilized which is not economical, while too
high of a stocking rate would result in overgrazing and low animal gain.
The goal is to determine the zone where the optimum output per
individual animal gain and output per unit of land area intersect. The
stocking rate must match the pasture’s carrying capacity, animal
nutrient demand, forage availability, season, and grazing method.
Overstocked pastures can lead to overgrazing, resulting in slow
regrowth, decreased root systems, increased weeds, and poor stands, not
to mention reduced animal performance.
-
Grazing
Method: Continuous or rotational grazing?
Continuous grazing
is a method where the cattle have unrestricted and uninterrupted access to a
specific piece of land throughout the grazing season. Cattle have free
access to selectively graze, and choose how often and how close to graze a
plant. It does not allow for the pasture to rest and may not allow adequate
residual leaf and carbohydrate reserves for pasture regrowth. However, this
method requires less input costs and management decisions compared to
rotational grazing.
Rotational grazing
is when cattle are rotated between two or more sections of the pasture,
called paddocks. The producer manages the time period of grazing and pasture
recovery. When grazed at the proper stocking rate and rotating at ideal
stubble height, rotational grazing helps with pasture persistence. Despite
requiring more labor and management, as well as more initial investments,
such as fencing and water sources, rotational grazing has many benefits.
This grazing method can result in improved pasture longevity, increased
stocking rate, increased grazing efficiency, and more uniform distribution
of excreta by the cattle. It is important to note that grazing and pasture
rest period will vary depending on the season.
Grazing management can influence animal performance,
pasture performance, and economic returns. This tool can lead to increased
forage yield and quality, stand longevity, and grazing efficiency. Choice of
grazing management also affects the animal’s milk and meat production,
weight gain, and can reduce feed costs. There is not a one-size fits all
management program. An effective grazing management plan will consider how
close to graze (stubble height), stocking rate, and the grazing method
(continuous or rotational). It’s important to understand the relationship
between cattle and forage availability. These factors can lead to more
efficient use of forages and ultimately impact economic returns. Tracking
information throughout the grazing season can help you evaluate your grazing
plan and fine tune your plan for optimal forage utilization and animal
performance.
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