Since sheep require an abundance of short leafy pasture herbage for best results, under New York conditions it is advantageous to have cattle grazing in the same field with the sheep. BY mixed grazing: the liveweight gains per acre are increased; the pastures are kept in better condition by the removal of much of the taller herbage by the cattle; and some protection against dogs is provided. When mixed grazing cannot be practiced, the mowing machine should be used frequently to maintain the pasture in a suitable condition for sheep grazing.
Horses and sheep require a similar type of pasture, and mixed grazing with horses and sheep is not desirable. Cattle in the same field with horses help to provide better grazing for the horses. If there are no cattle, the pastures must be closely mowed frequently during the grazing season, and droppings, which are usually confined to selected parts of the field, should be scattered periodically.
Swine are able to obtain a considerable amount of feed from good Pasture if the herbage is maintained in a short leafy condition. The frequent use
FIGURE 41. A HORSE PASTURE
Horses graze extremely closely and select the youngest and
tenderest herbage only in certain parts of the field. Grazing
cattle with horses and the frequent use of the mowing machine and
grass harrow are aids to good grazing management in pastures
primarily intended for horses
40
