Beef cows vary in their needs depending on their stage of reproduction and body condition. Pregnancy and lactation have the greatest influence on nutritional needs. Nutrient demand is highest for the few months after birth during peak lactation. The last trimester of gestation is the second highest period of nutrient demand. In other times the nutrient needs are much less.
Plants nutrient profile will vary over the growing period. Nutrient content varies based on plant species, stage of growth, soil type and weather conditions. Spring is the season when most plants are at their highest in nutrient content. This is particularly true of grasses.
Grazed forages rarely match livestock needs exactly. In some cases the forage is richer than needed. However, most of the time it is not enough forage, poor quality or missing essential nutrients. Therefore, extra feed, or substitution of feed, supplements are required.
That is why most ranchers develop and follow a grazing management plan. Several factors need to be considered when developing and carrying out successful grazing plans. You need to visualize what animals are doing to each plant species each day they are on the range. Grazing removes leaves and stems. The time of removal as well as the amount can have a positive, a negative or even no effect on a plant and its immediate environment. If the effect is harmful, you need to know in what way it is harmful.
Grazing a plant changes its ability to grow and compete. At the same time, lack of grazing on associated plants allows them to compete with the more desired species. Think of grazing in these terms:
• How many animals you have for a given area, or intensity of use;
• The distribution of the animals;
• How often grazing is done, or frequency of use;
• When grazing occurs in a plant's life history or season of use; and
• What plants are being eaten or selectivity of use.
Livestock should be moved in relation to plant growth stage and forage use, not by calendar. Be certain enough forage is available in the next pasture or another move will be imminent.
With these range characteristics in mind, make plans, whether formalized or not and adjust plans throughout the year. Keep and carefully analyze your notes and records. From them specifically indicate the kind of forage year, especially in relation to the weather. If the forage supply was short or long, determine what changes in the plan to make. If necessary, revise your plan. Grazing plans should have objectives. If no objectives exist, you will never really know how good your management is.
Review grazing leases, including public land licenses and permits. Are provisions satisfactory and, if not, make the necessary changes. Determine the security of forage sources. If you are contemplating animal grazing changes (times and numbers), and you have a public land grazing permit or license, you should talk to public land administrators.
Monitor grazing activities and make sure grazing plans work right. Consider this checklist:
• Use salt and water to distribute grazing.
• Move a fence location if it will help.
• Watch for incidence of poisonous plants and noxious weeds. Locate them on a map to facilitate future control.
• Make utilization checks.
• Establish a photo monitoring program.
• Build up an information base so you can make better overall use in the future.
Remember, duration, stocking rate, animal distribution and times of grazing in relation to plant growth stage are the most important factors for grazing. Grazing only once and allowing regrowth is best for the plants, then grazing only during early or late growth stages.
Successful grazing strategies that enhance performance and sustainability are a matter of common sense, good records and knowledge of plants and animals. They also change to meet changing environmental conditions and animal needs. Make sure you have a grazing plan to maximize your operation's profitability.
Source: "Developing Management Strategies for Rangeland Grazing", Ben Bruce, Extension Livestock Specialist
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