Planning an intensive rotational grazing system When planning an
intensive rotational grazing system there are some basic
concepts to keep in mind. Most importantly forages need
sufficient rest periods before animals are allowed access to
them following a grazing event/period. These rest periods are
specific to the forage species being grown and they will change
with time of year. Regrowth in forage plants under normal
growing conditions usually occurs after about 7 days. For this
reason, animals should not have access to any one paddock for
more than 7 days. Grazing animals select their diet that they
eat, from what is available in the pastures or paddocks. If
animals are given the choice they will usually eat fresh re-
growth instead of the more mature forages in a pasture. If
animals are not fenced out of areas that have been previously
grazed they will consume the young tender re-growth and weaken
the forage stand. If this happens repeatedly forage stands will
thin out, forages species will shift to specie