AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE MERITS OF INTENSIVE ROTATIONAL GRAZING

An investigation into the merits of intensive rotational grazing or paddock grazing was started in 1960. The experiment covered 40 acres, half of which was divided into 20 single‐acre paddocks and the other half into 2 fields of 9 and 11 acres, respectively. Two groups of carefully paired cows were used to measure the output of milk per acre. Surplus grass was used for drystock and for conservation. The final output was expressed in terms of U.S.E. per acre, which was computed from the records of milk production, livestock maintenance and fattening and grass cut for conservation. The following conclusions seem reasonable: (a) Where the stocking rate is the same under both systems and the grass supply exceeds the animals' appetites, very little difference in terms of milk yield per acre will be found between intensive rotational grazing and lax rotational grazing over the grazing season; (b) Where, because of heavier stocking or a poorer growth of grass, the animals' appetites begin to exceed the grass supply, the intensive system of rotational grazing will be able to carry the stock for a longer period and consequently will give a greater output of milk per acre; (c) Intensive rotational grazing gives greater opportunity for taking off surplus grass for dryslock or for conservation.