Grazing Distribution

What is Grazing Distribution? o Pattern created by livestock grazing an area of rangeland or pasture o animals tend to graze in spotty patterns o forage availability is reduced o grazing selectivity is lost o reduced animal performance

What causes uneven grazing patterns? o Pasture shape “L” o Terrain o Water Location o Vegetation o palatability o stage of growth o water content of plants o soil fertility level

Managing for Grazing Distribution o Salt & Mineral Feeder Location o placed away from water o may need to move when trampling begins o Oilers, Rubbing Posts, or Dust Bags o attract livestock o Winter Feeding Location (move around)

Managing for Grazing Distribution o Riparian Areas (streams, lakes etc) o provide alternate water and salt away from riparian area o may need to fence off area o Prescribed Burning -livestock prefer regrowth after burning

Water Developments o Quantity & Quality are most important o Cattle consume up to 15 gal per day per 1,000 lbs animal o Stock Ponds - can have poor water quality o silting o animals walking in o Pit Ponds (Dugouts) o Wells - should have 2-3 day storage

Water Developments o Windmills o high initial cost o unreliable as a continual source of power o Electric Pumps o can pump water to several locations, long distances o requires electrical source o requires constant monitoring (power outages) o Solar-Powered Pumps o can move solar panel & pump to different locations o requires constant monitoring

Water Developments o Pipelines and Troughs o can be placed at the best locations o multiple waterings o initial cost & maintenance o Spring Developments o provides clean water away from wet areas o with continuous flow, water seldom freezes o Stock Tanks should provide 2-3 days reserve o concrete pad

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

Grazing Strategies o Influence grazing patterns

Season-Long Grazing o One pasture for the entire season o Difficult to maintain adequate grazing distribution

Management-Intensive Grazing Systems

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

Partial-season Grazing o Only allowed to graze for part of the growing season

Deferred Grazing o Rest pasture during season of growth, grazed or hayed during dormant time o poor quality forage o cheaper than haying

Rotation Grazing o Move livestock from pasture to pasture o Only graze each pasture once per season

Rapid Rotation o Fewer than 6 pastures o short grazing periods, long rest periods

Cell Grazing o Intensified rapid rotation o more than 6 pastures

Which grazing system if for YOU? o Things to consider: o water o fencing o animal nutrition o time