James Pascual
Farmers Forum
A 10-year study conducted by researchers at the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) found that rotational grazing produces cattle with less weight-gain than continuously-grazing cattle.
The study implemented a range-scale experiment of free-range cattle, comparing rotational grazing, where cattle were divided into smaller herds and shifted among paddocks, with non-rotational grazing, where cattle grazed season-long in a single pasture. Surprisingly, the rotational system resulted in a 14 per cent reduction in cattle weight-gain compared to the continuous grazing system.
The researchers concluded that rotational grazing did not give cattle as much freedom to roam and be more selective about eating. Cattle in the rotational system exhibited linear feeding patterns, spent more time in one area, and consumed lower quality forages with less protein, resulting in decreased weight gain.
The study’s findings, published in Agriculture, Ecosystems, and Environment, suggest that large herds grazing in small, uniform paddocks have limited access to high-quality diets, hindering their weight gain potential.
The research team employed cutting-edge technology, including cattle global positioning system (GPS) tracking collars and activity sensors, to monitor the animals’ grazing activities. These collars collected precise data on the animals’ daily feeding habits, such as grazing time, grazing speed, foraging pathways, and meal duration.
Preliminary results indicated that the technology was instrumental in understanding animal distribution and foraging behaviors in extensive rangelands. Continuous monitoring of foraging behavior enabled livestock managers to make timely decisions on when and where to move cattle, optimizing their operation and potentially enhancing profitability.
This comprehensive research was conducted at the Central Plains Experimental Range, a long-term agroecosystem research network site in Colorado. As the study nears completion, it presents valuable insights into sustainable and profitable free-range livestock production, highlighting the significance of considering grazing systems in optimizing weight gain and overall herd health.
