The forage demand is the amount of forage dry matter (DM) required to feed the herd/flock for one day. It is based on the rule of thumb that grazing animals require an amount of forage dry matter equal to about 2.5% of their body weight per day. *Note* For lactating dairy cows use 3.0%.
| __________________________ | X .025 or .03 = | _______________ X |
| Average animal weight (lbs) | lbs DM/head/day | |
| ____________ | = Total Forage Demand | _____________ |
| # of animals | lbs/day |
The amount of forage available for grazing with the continuous stocking method is based on the total hay yield in tons/acre/year minus 40% for losses due to trampling, fouling with manure and urine, and reduced growth. Unless actual measured yields are available, use estimated yields such as SCS Soils 5 data for grass-legume hay and use the following table to convert forage availability on a season long basis.
| Hay Yield tons/acre/year | 5.5 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.5 |
| Forage Availability Pound/Acre/Year | 6600 | 6000 | 5400 | 4800 | 4200 | 3600 | 3000 |
| Forage Supply | _________________ |
| lbs/acre/yr |
In most part of New York, the average grazing period will be approximately 160 days. However, it may range between 150 and 215 days.
Grazing Period_______ days
The number of acres required for a continuous stocking graz ing management plan is based on having enough forage available to meet the season long forage requirement.
| _____________ X | _____________ = | ____________ |
| Forage Demand | Grazing Period (days) | |
/ ________________ = | _________________________ | |
| Forage Supply | Number of Acres Required |
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