Choose your grazing system

The two basic grazing systems are continuous or rotational

They integrate with conservation for hay or silage when growth exceeds livestock needs.

The potential output for swards managed under each system remains the subject of much debate. Some suggest grass growth and livestock output /ha is higher in rotational grazing systems whilst others highlight that continuous grazing is more productive.

Research suggests overall sward production under well managed continuous or rotational grazing systems is similar, although it is more uniform under continuous grazing as the spring peak associated with development of seed heads is suppressed. The choice of grazing system should be based on other management factors since whole season production is similar in both systems. Efficient grazing based on regular measuring gives good results which ever grazing system is used.



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IBERS, Grassland Development Centre: 01970 823026

E-mail: GDCstaff@aber.ac.uk, Web page: www.grassdevcentre.co.uk

GDC, Plas Gogerddan, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3EB