Rotational Grazing Research Essay

Grazing Systems
By Elizabeth Chambers

Grazing management is a crucial factor in the sustainability and productivity of pasturelands. Two prominent grazing systems are continuous grazing and rotational grazing, each with distinct effects on vegetation and animal performance. This paper explores the findings of two studies that examined these systems in different contexts. One focusing on intensive rotational grazing management and the other on tallgrass prairie responses to varying climate conditions.
A study by Badgery et al. (2017) investigated the effect of different grazing management techniques on pasture composition and animal performance in a cocksfoot-dominated pasture. Results indicated that fast rotations with higher stocking rates (13.6 dry sheep equivalents per hectare) yielded the highest animal production per hectare, comparable to continuous grazing. A flexible grazing system, which adjusted grazing times and rest periods had lower stocking rates but balanced pasture quality and production. Importantly, no grazing treatment negatively affected pasture composition over four years, indicating that proper management can enhance both pasture and animal health (Badgery et al., 2017).
In a study by Zhou et al. (2019), the responses of tallgrass prairie systems to continuous and rotational grazing were evaluated over a decade. The researchers found that the average Enhanced Vegetation Index and Gross Primary Productivity were higher in rotational grazing systems compared to continuous grazing during certain years. While rotational grazing helps distribute grazing pressure more evenly, climatic factors influence vegetation productivity. Continuous grazing systems, which tended to deteriorate over time, had reduced stocking rates, suggesting that rotational grazing may better support grassland productivity under variable climates (Zhou et al., 2019).
The studies illustrate that grazing management plays a pivotal role in pasture productivity and animal performance. Intensive rotational grazing can enhance both pasture quality and animal output, while tallgrass prairies benefit from adaptive management strategies that consider climactic variability. Continued research is essential to refine grazing practices that optimize both ecological and agricultural outcomes.
References
Badgery, W., Millar, G., Broadfoot, K., Martin, J., Pottie, D., Simmons, A., & Cranney, P. (2017). Better management of intensive rotational grazing systems maintains pastures and improves animal performance. Crop and Pasture Science, 68(12), 1131-1140. https://doi.org/10.1071/CP16396
Zhou, Y., Gowda, P. H., Wagle, P., Ma, S., Neel, J. P. S., Kakani, V. G., & Steiner, J. L. (2019). Climate Effects on Tallgrass Prairie Responses to Continuous and Rotational Grazing. Agronomy, 9(5), 219. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9050219