1、Profitable&SustainableGrazing SystemsWoody Lane,Ph.D.Lane Livestock ServicesRoseburg,OregonAmerican Lamb SummitAmerican Lamb BoardMoscow,IdahoJuly 24,2025Sheep Farm/Ranch Budget Feed=60-80%of budget Save 10-15%of this Good Pasture Management Reduce Breakeven Price In good years increase profits In b
2、ad years survive Sustainable,Profitable,ResilientToday ToolsGrazing Principles Measuring Pastures Forage Growth Principles of Good GrazingGraziers Tools SR,SD,water,minerals,weeds Estimating DMIVery Practical Stuff Gate Latches Watering Sheep Google HacksGrazing PrinciplesHow Do We Manage Forages?St
3、andard Recommendation:Animals in:8”Animals out:3”How Do We Manage Forages?Standard Recommendation:Animals in:8”Animals out:3”How many inches of grass does she need to meet her nutritional requirements?Example:Ewe raising twins in early lactationManaging ForagesHow long can 30 ewes graze a 6-acre pad
4、dock?How many acres are needed to support 30 ewes for 4 days?Can We Answer These Basic Questions:Is there a better way?Yes there isBy WeightPounds of feedHow Do We Balance an Animals Diet?Therefore Manage Forages by WeightBy Weight (Mass of DM)Total Mass(DM)3,000 lb1 lb/acre 1 kg/hectarePounds?Kilog
5、rams?Acres?Hectares?12”x 11.5”12”x 11.5”12”x 11.5”26 g DM/138 square inches2,600 x 10026 grams dry forage=138 square incheslb DM/acreBy Weight (Mass)Total Mass 3,000 lbResidual Mass 1,000 lbAvailable Mass 2,000 lbThis is the forage available for grazingExample flock size=30 ewes 1 acre=2,000 lb Avai
6、lable Forage(dry matter)1 ewe 150 lb 5%body weight=7.5 lb/day30 ewes will graze 225 lb forage DM/day1 acre=9 days of grazing for 30 ewes1/2-acre field=ewes are OK for 4-5 days (=4 days,10 hours,46 min)Forage Growth CurveTotal Forage Mass (lb DM/acre)TimePhase IPhase IIPhase III1,0003,000How do forag