Paddock Layout and Paddock Layout and DesignDesign

Before Building Fence

Guideline #1: Flexibility

Before Building Fence

Guideline #1: Flexibility

Guideline #2: Walk pastures and use maps

Before Building Fence

Guideline #1: Flexibility

Guideline #2: Walk pastures and use maps

Guideline #3: Have at least 11 paddocks

Paddock Layout DesignFixed or Flexible

Before Building FenceGuideline #4: Use a psychological barrier

Perimeter: Good perimeter fenceInternal: Low cost electricTrain: Stocker cattle

Before Building FenceGuideline #4: Use a psychological barrier

Perimeter: Good perimeter fenceInternal: Low cost electricTrain: Stocker cattle

Guideline #5: Similar paddock production, not size

Uniform Production is Key!

• Each Paddock in the System should contain enough land to produce Approximately the same forage DM (Dry Matter)– varying soil types– paddock size– productive capabilities– forage species

Before Building FenceGuideline #6: Fence with the contour

of the land

Before Building FenceGuideline #6: Fence with the contour

of the landGuideline #7: Walkways on higher,

drier soils

Before Building FenceGuideline #8: Limit access to streams

Before Building FenceGuideline #8: Limit access to streamsGuideline #9: Plan now for water supply

Before Building FenceGuideline #8: Limit access to streamsGuideline #9: Plan now for water supplyGuideline #10: Plan for access to emergency areas for drought, floods

and mud

Number of Paddocks in System

• As the # of Paddocks increases the level of Management also increase!

• The length of Grazing period should be…SHORT• Move Livestock Before Grazed Plants Regrow

– Vary by season– 2 - 3 days -- Spring

– 4 - 5 days -- Summer

Paddock Size VS. Grazing pressure(livestock # & weight)

• # of Paddocks is determined by Grazing pressure…Which will affect Paddock Size

• Small enough to be Grazed Before Regrowth

• No Ideal number…11 often used in 3 day systems giving 30 days of Rest (works well for legumes)

Paddock Layout

• Square Paddocks -- as near as possible– uniform grazing

– lower fence cost/acre

• Wagon wheel designs are the Poorest– poor utilization

– poor manure distribution

– Increased fencing cost

How Many Paddocks Are Needed

• No. of paddocks =Days rest + 1

Days grazing

• 15 day rest/ 3 days grazing = 6 paddocks

• 15 day rest/ 5 days grazing = 4 paddocks

• 30 day rest/ 3 days grazing = 11 paddocks

• 44 day rest/4 days grazing = 12 paddocks

How Big Should the How Big Should the Paddocks BePaddocks Be

??

What You Need to Know:1) Amount of feed animal needs from pasture =

[(A X B) - C] X D

A = Total body weight of all animalsB = DM requirements per day

Beef & Sheep - 2.5% - 3% of body weightDairy - 3.5% - 4% of body weight

C = Supplemental feeds (silage, hay, grain)D = Length of grazing period

What You Need to Know:2) Available forage from the pasture =

[(D - E) X F] X G

D = Forage height in paddockE = Remaining stubbleF = DM yield per acre

Range - 100 - 500 pounds ofDM per inch of growth per acre

G = Utilization rate (75% - 90%)

Beef Example:[(37,500# X 3%) - 0] X 1day =1,125 pounds of dry matter (DM) needed

A = 30 beef cows @ 1250 pounds each =37,500 pounds of body weight

B = DM requirement/day 3%C = 0 = No supplemental feed D = 1 = One day paddock

Beef Example (cont.):[(8” - 3”) X 300#] X 75% =1,125 # available DM

D = Pasture at 8” tallE = 3” remaining stubbleF = 300# DMG = Utilization rate 75% (25% wastage)

Beef Example (cont.):Therefore, 1 acre with 1,125# of available DM will supply the DM requirements of the 30 cows for one day.

Dairy Example:[(135,000# X 4%) - 1800#] X 0.5 days =1,800# dry matter (DM) needed for 1/2 day paddock

A = 100 dairy cows @ 1350# each =135,000 pounds of body weight

B = DM requirement/day 4%C = 1800# grain mix D = 0.5 = One half day per paddock

Dairy Example (cont.):[(8” - 3”) X 300#] X 85% =1,275 # available DM

D = Pasture at 8” tallE = 3” remaining stubbleF = 300# DMG = Utilization rate 85% (15% wastage)

Dairy Example (cont.):Therefore, approximately 1.5 acres with 1,275# of available DM will supply the forage requirementsof the 100 dairy cattle for half a day.

Sheep Example:[([(37,500# X 3%) - 0#] X 1 day =1,125# dry matter (DM) needed

A = 250 ewes @ 150# each =37,500 pounds of body weight

B = DM requirement/day 3%C = 0 = No supplemental feed D = 1 = One day per paddock

Sheep Example (cont.):

[(8” - 3”) X 300#] X 75% =1,125 # available DM

D = Pasture at 8” tallE = 3” remaining stubbleF = 300# DMG = Utilization rate 75% (25% wastage)

Sheep Example (cont.):Sheep Example (cont.):Therefore, 1 acre with 1,125# of available DMwill supply the DM requirements of the 250 ewesfor one day.

Case Farm - Existing

114 acres

Case Farm -

Intermediate Plan

6 areas

Case Farm -

Final Plan

10 paddocks and flexible hay

grazing area

Safety First!!!!!Safety First!!!!!

Call Call BeforeBefore You Dig!!! You Dig!!!

1 - 800 - 362 - 27641 - 800 - 362 - 2764