What is Deferred Grazing?
Deferred grazing is a grazing management system that involves restricting access to pastures for a certain period of time. This method of grazing is used to improve the health of pastures and the animals that graze them.
The idea behind deferred grazing is to allow the grasses and other vegetation in the pasture to regrow and recover before the animals are allowed to graze again. This helps to prevent overgrazing, which can lead to soil erosion, loss of soil fertility, and loss of vegetation. It also helps to maintain the health of the animals, as they have access to more nutritious forage.
Deferred grazing can be used in many different ways. It can be used to rotate animals between pastures, or it can be used to allow a pasture to rest for a certain period of time. The length of the rest period depends on the type of vegetation in the pasture and the goals of the grazing manager. It can range from a few days to several months.
Deferred grazing is an important part of any grazing management system. It helps to maintain the health of the pastures and the animals that graze them. It is also an effective way to improve the productivity of the land and the animals that use it.