Rotational Grazing Stocking Rate Calculator
Here’s a comprehensive table summarizing the key aspects of rotational grazing and stocking rates:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | Rotational grazing involves dividing pastures into paddocks and moving livestock between them to allow for rest and regrowth periods13. |
| Stocking Rate | The number of animals grazing a defined area over a specific time period, typically expressed as animal units per acre or hectare3. |
| Stocking Density | The number of animals in a specific paddock at a given time, usually higher than the overall stocking rate3. |
| Benefits | – Increased forage utilization (up to 65% vs 25-35% for continuous grazing)1 – Improved retention of desired forage species1 – Potential for increased total ranch productivity1 – Reduced drought risk1 – Extended grazing period5 |
| Challenges | – Initial costs for fencing and water development1 – Possible reduced individual animal performance1 – Increased management requirements5 |
| Grazing Efficiency | Can increase from 25-35% (continuous) to 65% (rotational)1 |
| Stocking Rate Increase | Potential to double stocking rates compared to continuous grazing1 |
| Rest Period | Typically 18-21 days between grazing events4 |
| Grazing Period | Ideally 3-4 days per paddock4 |
| Number of Paddocks | Start with 7-8 paddocks for beginners4 |
| Paddock Size | Typically 1-2 acres, providing 3-4 days of grazing4 |
| Grass Growth | Potential increase of 20-70% compared to continuous grazing45 |
| Animal Performance | Daily liveweight gain target: 0.7-1.5 kg/day depending on cattle class6 |
| Utilization Target | Aim for 80% utilization of grown grass6 |
| Economic Impact | Potential gross margin of £600-1000 per hectare6 |
| Key Performance Indicators | – Grass grown: 12 tonnes DM/ha – Utilised grass: 9.6 tonnes DM/ha – Stocking rate: 1.5-2.0 LU/ha – Liveweight produced: 292 kg/ha6 |
This table provides a comprehensive overview of rotational grazing and stocking rates, covering definitions, benefits, challenges, and key performance indicators. It’s important to note that actual results may vary depending on specific farm conditions, management practices, and environmental factors.