AGRONOMY TECHNICAL NOTE NO. TN-25
October 3, 2002
1
PRESCRIBED GRAZING (528A)
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS AND USEFUL REFERENCE TABLES
FOR APPLICATION OF PRESCRIBED GRAZING
By
Gregory L. Brann
Grazing Land Specialist
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Nashville, Tennessee
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
AERATION
PARASITE CONTROL
BALANCING THE
FORAGE SYSTEM
PREGNANCY TESTING
CALVING SEASON
SHADE
EROSION
STOCKING RATE
ECONOMICS
STOCKING DENSITY
FLOODING
STOCKPILING
FORWARD GRAZING
TALL FESCUE ENDOPHYTE
LEGUME MAINTENANCE
TOXICITY
MANAGEMENT OF
OVERGRAZED OR
ABUSED FORAGE PLANTS
WATER
NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT WEED CONTROL
NUTRITIONAL NEEDS
WILDLIFE
TABLES:
Table 1 Optimum Temperature for Growth
Table 2 Travel Distance to Water
Table 3 Water Quality
Table 4 Recommended Grazing Heights
Table 5 Hay Yield and Forage Quality
Table 6 Grazing Efficiency
Table 7 Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle
Table 8 Forage Intake Rate
Table 9 Number of Cows per Bull
Table 10 Normal Body Temperature
Table 11 Gestation Period
Table 12 Grazing Equations
Table 13 Reproductive Cycle
Table 14 Body Condition Score and Pregnancy
Table 15 Body Condition Scoring Beef Cows
A.
AGRONOMY TECHNICAL NOTE NO. TN-25
October 3, 2002
2
Aeration
Dragging a pasture with a harrow or other tool may benefit nutrient management, but economics of
the practice are questionable. Aeration of pastures is typically only economical when done in
association with a renovation practice.
Spreading of manure piles is best accomplished by maintaining high stocking density. When stocking
density is high, hoof action will spread the manure.
B. Balancing the Forage System
When planning rotational grazing systems, consider land user’s objective, management skills, and
time available, then inventory the resources water, soil capability, slope and aspect, forage, existing
fences, livestock numbers, and shade.
Consider developing a forage system that provides grazing forage or crop residue for most of the
year. When fields need reestablishing, be aware of