Importance of Forage Growth Stages When Grazing Cattle

– Beth McIlquham, Regional Livestock Educator, University of Wisconsin

When cattle nutrition requirements aren’t met, performance is hindered.

Grazing cattle sounds so simple. The forage grows, the cattle eat the forage, and it all ends with a “happily ever after.” Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as it sounds. To maximize cattle performance while grazing, producers must pay attention to the forage itself and how it can affect the grazing animals.

Growth Stages of Forage
To begin, let’s break down forage growth into three stages. Understanding these is the first step in attaining effective grazing management. The three growth stages of forage are:

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