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Posted 18 June 2007. Forage and Grazinglands. SDSU publication: Managing Livestock Grazing Distribution South Dakota State University. www3.sdstate.edu Brookings, South Dakota (June 5, 2007)--Improving grazing distribution in pastures and on rangeland in South Dakota makes for better use of forage and better animal performance.
A new publication from South Dakota State University offers tips on managing grazing distribution as one aspect of an overall grazing management plan. SDSU Extension Extra 2061, “Managing Livestock Grazing Distribution on South Dakota Rangelands,” is available online at this link: agbiopubs.sdstate.edu. Or ask at your county Extension office. SDSU Extension Range Livestock Production Specialist Eric Mousel wrote the publication. Mousel said poor grazing distribution results in poor use of forage and reduced animal production per acre because the management unit is under-utilized. Range condition is lower in sacrifice areas, and there are erosion problems in areas of heavy use. Producers can improve livestock distribution by enticing grazing animals from areas of high forage use to areas of low forage use. Some of the key ways to do this are by careful placement of access to good quality water, and by carefully placing and periodically moving salt and mineral tubs and supplemental feeding areas. Producers can also improve livestock grazing distribution by adjusting pasture characteristics such as size, shape, and topography, particularly as they relate to fencing. Consult the publication for more details. Contact: |
