Grazing Management Concepts and Practices

Abstract

Grazing management can be defined as the manipulation of livestock grazing to accomplish a desired result. The desired result depends upon the enterprise, but for most producers economic goals are of primary importance. Decisions regarding what grazing management to use are based on the characteristics of the forage being grazed, animal requirements, input costs associated with adopting a particular system, and the probability of return on investment. Grazing management is a powerful tool that strongly influences pasture and animal performance. Choice of grazing management affects pasture yield, nutritive value, and stand longevity. Choice of grazing management also affects weight gain or milk production of an individual animal as well as the amount of milk or meat produced per acre. Document first published in June 2002.

Keywords

• grazing
• grazing management