Energy Utilized by Rotational vs. Continuous Grazing Systems of Dairy Replacement Heifers

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David Trott.
Dr. Michael Seipel, Faculty Mentor.

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Livestock farmers are experimenting with rotational grazing systems as an alternative to conventional grazing systems. This research project attempts to answer the question: Is rotational grazing able to provide a healthier, more cost-effective means of raising replacement dairy heifers than continuous grazing? A 24-acre field was divided into 2 continuously grazed pastures and 2 rotationally grazed pastures and were stocked with one-year-old replacement dairy heifers. The weight gain was measured monthly, and the forage production was measured weekly. The average gain over the entire period was 176.49 lb. per heifer for the continuous system and 157.23 lb. per heifer for the rotational system (p<0.02). However, the total forage yield estimate for the rotational system was 60,582 pounds of forage versus 42,445 pounds of forage for the continuous system. The rotational system utilized more total energy due to the management of the pasture.