Pasture rotation is a grazing management system in which livestock are moved between multiple paddocks on a scheduled basis, allowing grazed paddocks time to recover before being regrazed. The system mimics the movement patterns of wild grazing herds and improves pasture productivity, soil health, and animal nutrition compared to continuous grazing. Rest periods of 14 to 60 days between grazing events allow forage plants to recover root reserves and regrow before being grazed again.
The number of paddocks in a rotation system dePen Designds on the herd size, property area, forage growth rate, and desired rest period. A minimum of 8 to 12 paddocks is recommended for effective rotational grazing. Paddocks are laid out with access to a central lane or watering point, or with portable water tanks moved with the herd. Each paddock is designed so that all animals can graze simultaneously, with the grazing period adjusted to 1 to 7 days depending on the season and growth rate.
Grazing height targets vary by forage species. Cool-season grasses such as timothy and fescue are grazed to a residual height of 5 to 8 centimeters (2 to 3 inches). Warm-season grasses tolerate closer grazing to 3 to 5 centimeters. Legumes such as clover and alfalfa are grazed to 7 to 10 centimeters to maintain stand persistence. Overgrazing, where residual height falls below the target, reduces root reserves and slows regrowth.
The stocking rate determines how much forage each paddock provides. A typical stocking rate for cattle in productive pasture is 1 animal unit per 1 to 2 hectares. For sheep and goats, 6 to 10 animals per hectare is typical. The herd is moved to a new paddock before critical forage height is reached. Following behind the primary grazing species, poultry or goats can be used to break parasite cycles and spread manure.
Rotational grazing increases pasture productivity by 30 to 50 percent compared to continuous grazing. The longer rest periods allow deep-rooted perennial forages to thrive. Manure is distributed more evenly across the pasture. Parasite burdens in grazing animals are reduced because larvae on pasture die during the rest period.