Principles of Managed Grazing Karen Hoffman Resource Conservationist – Animal Science USDA-NRCS Norwich, NY, USA Natural Resources Conservation Service

Managed Pasture Systems Small paddocks Short duration Rest interval 6-8” forage height

The goal of a pasture plan is to ensure the forage supply is kept in balance with the forage demand

Rotational Stocking Method HIGH FORAGE SUPPLY (SPRING AND EARLY SUMMER) GRAZE HALF – HARVEST HALF CUT FIRST FOR HAY OR SILAGE CUT FIRST FOR HAY OR SILAGE LOW FORAGE SUPPLY (MID-SUMMER AND FALL) GRAZE ALL 15 day rest period in the Spring 30 day rest period in the Summer

A High Value Pasture is: “A unit or area of land on which exists a suitable amount, type and distribution of vegetation that when utilized with a sufficient level of management complements or meets the nutritional requirements of the resident livestock for as long a time period is as possible.” In other words, there is enough good quality, palatable forage available for animals to perform well!

Low Value Pasture High In Forage Quality – Low In Forage Quantity FORAGE HEIGHT (INCH E S)

Low Value Pasture High In Quantity – Low In Quality FORAGE HEIGHT (INCHES )

High Value Pasture High Forage Yield – High Forage Quality FORAGE HEIGHT (INCHES)

Pasture plants are alive and actively growing. They change in yield and quality every day and even over the course of a few hours. Time

SUMMER SPRING LOW QUANTITYQUANTITY QUANTITYQUANTITY HIGHLOW HIGH QUALITYQUALITY QUALITYQUALITY

Typical Forage Quality NUTRIENT PASTURE HAY HAYLAGE Dry Matter % Crude Protein % Net Energy G, Mcal/lb ADF% * NDF% ** * Acid Detergent Fiber – cellulose + lignin **Neutral Detergent Fiber – hemicellulose + cellulose + lignin

Protein Protein from pasture > animal req’ts 20 – 30% crude protein from pasture Dairy cow needs 16-17% Beef, sheep, etc. need 12-14% depending on production phase Protein from pasture > rumen bacteria req’ts 70 – 80% degradability Feeding energy supplements can help to dilute protein

How Excess Degradable Protein Wastes Energy Degradable Protein  Used by microbesNot used protein + carbohydrates   converted to ammonia microbial protein -  energy used by cows ammonia into blood  ammonia in blood to liver  energy urea excretion  liver converts to urea

Supplementation Dilute the pasture protein Feed a little dry hay Lower protein than pasture Substitutes for pasture intake Use the pasture protein Feed a little ground corn Provides non-fiber carbs (NFC) Rumen bugs use to make more bugs

Non-Fiber Carbohydrates (NFC) Dairy Critical for high milk production Caution – no grain not easy Beef Only if gains are low Sheep, goats Breeding, lactating w/multiples, weaned lambs or kids Camelids No clear guidelines – be careful not to overfeed

Non-Fiber Carbohydrates (NFC) Horses Amount depends on level of work Swine Grain higher proportion of diet Poultry 70-90% of diet with insects, grass, etc balance None of these species types needs NFC’s for rumen or excess pasture protein issues

Supplementation Salt Supply free-choice Loose vs. blocks Self-limiting Mix in with grain Limits intake Minerals Can be in trace mineral salt block May need extra selenium Be careful of copper & molybdenum content Sheep and goat label Camelids have similar toxicity problem

Kelp Approved for organics Source of minerals, vitamins, anti-oxidants High iodine content Not problematic Limited research Boosts immune system Reduces pinkeye

Parasite Issues Sheep and goats – major issue Barber pole worm, brown stomach worm, coccidia, P. tenuis, flukes, tapeworms, lungworms, etc. Dewormer resistance use FAMACHA and strategic deworming Pasture management longer rest periods to break lifecycle – days graze taller forage, leave more residual

Parasite Issues Cattle – minor issue Roundworm, flukes, tapeworms Same lifecycle as sheep parasites, but species specific Dewormers typically used twice in spring – resistance issue Young animals most susceptible – cattle become more resistant with age Pasture management Young animals on “clean” pasture Don’t overgraze

Multi-species Grazing – cattle + sheep Advantages More uniform grazing of pasture Predator protection Parasite protection Disadvantages Mineral supplementation for cattle vs. sheep/goats Systems Leader-follower Co-grazing “Strategic rotation” for parasite control

“Strategic Rotational” Stocking Method Sheep CUT FIRST FOR HAY OR SILAGE Cattle day rest period for sheep day rest period for cattle

Multi-species Grazing - poultry + ruminants Advantages Poultry break up manure, spread nutrients Poultry eat fly larvae, snails (?) Reduced grain consumption Disadvantages Labor-intensive if using pens Messy if true “free-range” Predator problems

Health Considerations Pasture provides health benefits Boosts immune system – reduces stress Vitamins A & D, natural minerals & antioxidants, medicinal plants Sunshine, fresh air, naturally comfortable environment, clean, soft footing, exercise Need to manage grazing well before health improves

Summary Managed pasture is beneficial for both health and nutrition of all species If pasture main source of feed, must be managed for quality and quantity Parasite management needed with small ruminants Benefits to grazing different species together

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