Paddock Layout and Design

Before Building Fence Guideline #1: Flexibility

Before Building Fence Guideline #1: Flexibility Guideline #2: Walk pastures and use maps

Before Building Fence Guideline #1: Flexibility Guideline #2: Walk pastures and use maps Guideline #3: Have at least 11 paddocks

Paddock Layout Design Fixed or Flexible

Before Building Fence Guideline #4: Use a psychological barrier Perimeter: Good perimeter fence Internal:Low cost electric Train:Stocker cattle

Before Building Fence Guideline #4: Use a psychological barrier Perimeter: Good perimeter fence Internal:Low cost electric Train:Stocker cattle Guideline #5: Similar paddock production, not size

Uniform Production is Key! Each Paddock in the System should contain enough land to produce Approximately the same forage DM (Dry Matter) –varying soil types –paddock size –productive capabilities –forage species

Before Building Fence Guideline #6: Fence with the contour of the land

Before Building Fence Guideline #6: Fence with the contour of the land Guideline #7: Walkways on higher, drier soils

Before Building Fence Guideline #8: Limit access to streams

Before Building Fence Guideline #8: Limit access to streams Guideline #9: Plan now for water supply

Before Building Fence Guideline #8: Limit access to streams Guideline #9: Plan now for water supply Guideline #10: Plan for access to emergency areas for drought, floods and mud

Number of Paddocks in System As the # of Paddocks increases the level of Management also increase! The length of Grazing period should be…SHORT Move Livestock Before Grazed Plants Regrow –Vary by season –2 - 3 days -- Spring –4 - 5 days -- Summer

Paddock Size VS. Grazing pressure (livestock # & weight) # of Paddocks is determined by Grazing pressure…Which will affect Paddock Size Small enough to be Grazed Before Regrowth No Ideal number…11 often used in 3 day systems giving 30 days of Rest (works well for legumes)

Paddock Layout Square Paddocks -- as near as possible –uniform grazing –lower fence cost/acre Wagon wheel designs are the Poorest –poor utilization –poor manure distribution –Increased fencing cost

How Many Paddocks Are Needed No. of paddocks =Days rest + 1 Days grazing 15 day rest/ 3 days grazing = 6 paddocks 15 day rest/ 5 days grazing = 4 paddocks 30 day rest/ 3 days grazing = 11 paddocks 44 day rest/4 days grazing = 12 paddocks

How Big Should the Paddocks Be ?

What You Need to Know: 1) Amount of feed animal needs from pasture = [(A X B) - C] X D A = Total body weight of all animals B = DM requirements per day Beef & Sheep - 2.5% - 3% of body weight Dairy - 3.5% - 4% of body weight C = Supplemental feeds (silage, hay, grain) D = Length of grazing period

What You Need to Know: 2) Available forage from the pasture = [(D - E) X F] X G D = Forage height in paddock E = Remaining stubble F = DM yield per acre Range pounds of DM per inch of growth per acre G = Utilization rate (75% - 90%)

Beef Example: [(37,500# X 3%) - 0] X 1day = 1,125 pounds of dry matter (DM) needed A = 30 beef 1250 pounds each = 37,500 pounds of body weight B = DM requirement/day 3% C = 0 = No supplemental feed D = 1 = One day paddock

Beef Example (cont.): [(8” - 3”) X 300#] X 75% = 1,125 # available DM D = Pasture at 8” tall E = 3” remaining stubble F = 300# DM G = Utilization rate 75% (25% wastage)

Beef Example (cont.): Therefore, 1 acre with 1,125# of available DM will supply the DM requirements of the 30 cows for one day.

Dairy Example: [(135,000# X 4%) #] X 0.5 days = 1,800# dry matter (DM) needed for 1/2 day paddock A = 100 dairy 1350# each = 135,000 pounds of body weight B = DM requirement/day 4% C = 1800# grain mix D = 0.5 = One half day per paddock

Dairy Example (cont.): [(8” - 3”) X 300#] X 85% = 1,275 # available DM D = Pasture at 8” tall E = 3” remaining stubble F = 300# DM G = Utilization rate 85% (15% wastage)

Dairy Example (cont.): Therefore, approximately 1.5 acres with 1,275# of available DM will supply the forage requirements of the 100 dairy cattle for half a day.

Sheep Example: [( [(37,500# X 3%) - 0#] X 1 day = 1,125# dry matter (DM) needed A = # each = 37,500 pounds of body weight B = DM requirement/day 3% C = 0 = No supplemental feed D = 1 = One day per paddock

Sheep Example (cont.): [(8” - 3”) X 300#] X 75% = 1,125 # available DM D = Pasture at 8” tall E = 3” remaining stubble F = 300# DM G = Utilization rate 75% (25% wastage)

Sheep Example (cont.): Therefore, 1 acre with 1,125# of available DM will supply the DM requirements of the 250 ewes for one day.

Case Farm - Existing 114 acres

Case Farm - Intermediate Plan 6 areas

Case Farm - Final Plan 10 paddocks and flexible hay grazing area

Safety First!!!!! Call Before You Dig!!!