Grazing DistributionGrazing Distribution

What is Grazing Distribution?

Pattern created by livestock grazing an area of rangeland or pasture

animals tend to graze in spotty patterns forage availability is reduced grazing selectivity is lost reduced animal performance

What causes uneven grazing patterns?

Pasture shape “L” Terrain Water Location Vegetation

palatability stage of growth water content of plants soil fertility level

Managing for Grazing Distribution

Salt & Mineral Feeder Location placed away from water may need to move when trampling begins

Oilers, Rubbing Posts, or Dust Bags attract livestock

Winter Feeding Location (move around)

Managing for Grazing Distribution

Riparian Areas (streams, lakes etc) provide alternate water and salt away from riparian

area may need to fence off area

Prescribed Burning -livestock prefer regrowth after burning

Water Developments

Quantity & Quality are most important Cattle consume up to 15 gal per day per 1,000 lbs

animal Stock Ponds - can have poor water quality

silting animals walking in

Pit Ponds (Dugouts) Wells - should have 2-3 day storage

Water Developments Windmills

high initial cost unreliable as a continual source of power

Electric Pumps can pump water to several locations, long distances requires electrical source requires constant monitoring (power outages)

Solar-Powered Pumps can move solar panel & pump to different locations requires constant monitoring

Water Developments

Pipelines and Troughs can be placed at the best locations multiple waterings initial cost & maintenance

Spring Developments provides clean water away from wet areas with continuous flow, water seldom freezes

Stock Tanks should provide 2-3 days reserve concrete pad

Cross Fencing

Dividing large pastures into smaller ones Conventional materials (barbed wire) High Tensile Steel - more maintenance High Energy - Low Impedance

cheaper than barbed

Grazing Strategies

Influence grazing patterns

Season-Long Grazing

One pasture for the entire season Difficult to maintain adequate grazing distribution

Management-Intensive Grazing Management-Intensive Grazing SystemsSystems

Sequential Forage Grazing

Using 2 or more forages in combination best utilization of forage must have different growing seasons

Partial-season Grazing

Only allowed to graze for part of the growing season

Deferred Grazing

Rest pasture during season of growth, grazed or hayed during dormant time

poor quality forage cheaper than haying

Rotation Grazing

Move livestock from pasture to pasture Only graze each pasture once per season

Rapid Rotation

Fewer than 6 pastures short grazing periods, long rest periods

Cell Grazing

Intensified rapid rotation more than 6 pastures

Which grazing system if for YOU?

Things to consider: water fencing animal nutrition time