Intensive grazing methods, such as cell grazing and mob grazing, offer several benefits for both the environment and agricultural productivity. Here are some of the key advantages:
Benefits of Intensive Grazing Methods
Environmental Benefits
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Soil Carbon Sequestration: These methods increase soil carbon content, contributing to carbon sequestration and mitigating climate change impacts.
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Improved Soil Health: By promoting diverse plant growth and reducing selective grazing, intensive grazing enhances soil fertility and structure.
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Drought Resistance: Healthier root systems developed through rotational grazing make pastures more resistant to drought.
Pasture and Forage Benefits
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Increased Pasture Growth: Cell grazing achieves higher pasture growth, with dry matter production nearly 40% higher than set stocking.
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Better Forage Utilization: Animals consume more of the available forage, reducing waste and promoting uniform regrowth.
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Diverse and Nutritious Forage: Intensive grazing encourages diverse plant species, providing a more nutritious diet for livestock.
Livestock and Economic Benefits
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Higher Stocking Densities: Intensive grazing allows for higher livestock densities without overgrazing, increasing productivity per hectare.
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Improved Livestock Performance: Access to fresh, high-quality forage regularly enhances animal health and performance.
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Economic Efficiency: Reduced need for external inputs like fertilizers and supplements can increase profit margins.
Management and Animal Welfare Benefits
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Enhanced Animal Welfare: Regular monitoring during rotational grazing helps identify health issues early, improving overall animal well-being.
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Efficient Resource Use: Technology can be integrated to monitor and manage grazing systems efficiently, reducing labor costs.
Overall, intensive grazing methods like cell and mob grazing offer a sustainable approach to managing pastures, enhancing environmental health, and improving livestock productivity.
Citations:
- https://www.pastureforlife.org/news/proof-is-in-the-pasture-the-latest-evidence-on-the-benefits-of-pasture-based-systems/
- https://www.rothamsted.ac.uk/news/cell-grazing-supports-double-livestock-hectare-set-stocking-and-delivers-environmental
- https://pasture.io/grazing-systems
- https://www.nofence.no/en-gb/blog-old/the-economic-and-environmental-benefits-of-managed-grazing
- https://www.hutton.ac.uk/sites/default/files/files/publications/ClimPosReview_Unravelling_terminology_and_impacts_of_rotational_grazing_Fielding_April2022.pdf
- https://www.maiagrazing.com/blog/rotational-grazing-systems
- https://www.cotswoldseeds.com/downloads/mob%20grazing%20website.pdf
- https://www.maiagrazing.com/blog/grazing-strategies
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