Part 2: Basic Rangeland Ecology

General Grazing Management

When and for how long animals are allowed to graze a particular pasture are key in determining range condition and animal performance.

• When to allow livestock to graze a pasture is determined by
• Forage production
• Growth pattern of predominately grazed plants in the pasture
• Phenological shape of the primary forage species
• When the plants are at optimal quality and quantity during their growth cycle

• How long livestock are allowed to graze a particular pasture depends on
• Stocking rate
• Available forage, including plant recovery from pervious grazing
• Climate conditions, particularly wind and precipitation