For breeders, grazed grass is the least expensive fodder to produce (low inputs and mechanization, less working time) with a positive "societal" and "environmental" image.
To best optimize the grass resource, some breeders choose to apply rotational grazing, sometimes going as far as dynamic rotational grazing.
In the majority of situations, pasture require supplementation. This contribution makes it possible to secure animal performance. For the finishing of the animals to be done on pasture, the establishment of rotational grazing is essential.
Description of Innovation
Dynamic rotational grazing is based on dividing grassland into small plots that animals graze for a short time with a high stocking density. It aims to maximize the productivity of grasslands and exploit them as much as possible through grazing in an efficient way for the animals and at very low cost.
The idea is to graze the grass when it is at the right stage, i.e. when it offers the best quantity/quality ratio, then give it a rest period so that it can replenish its reserves.
The breeder divides his plot into small sub-units (or “paddocks”) and organizes a rotation so that the animals do not return to the same plot for 3 to 4 weeks.
The grass thus offered is of high and consistent quality, and the breeder can manage more easily situations of deficit or excess of grass.
The animals do not stay more than three days on the same plot, the ideal being to change them every day. From the 4th day, the regrowth has reached a sufficient height to be grazed and could be consumed first, compromising the reconstitution of plant reserves.
Economically, dynamic rotating pasture is a real asset for cattle breeders. There is an increase in productivity per cow on grass (without concentrates and with only grazed grass).
It is also a real solution for adapting to climate change for cattle farmers. rotational grazing makes it easier to get through periods of drought because even if the grassland does not produce, it then starts up again more easily in the fall and the following spring, without losing quality.
Impact on farm performance
- Reduction of costs of animal feed costs of the farm, as less feed is purchased because of the more intensive use of pasture land
- Better resilience to climate change
- Better performance for animals (carcass weight, fattening)
Audio-visual material
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hrjpaqbs9po
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmHM7fbbiFM
Farmer comment (for Good Practices)
Olivier VAN DEN BOSSCHE, breeder-fattener in Quilen (62), in dynamic rotational grazing :
“I got into dynamic rotational grazing with the objective of producing more grass while being more respectful of the environment. I was able to gradually increase my stocking density and today I am grazing about twenty more animals. I have also reduced my nitrogen intake on the 26.5 ha meadows by 63%, i.e. a saving of around €2,000. I won't go back for anything in the world”
Further information