How it is calculated
The more samples you take and the better they are spread across the paddock, the more reliable the average. If you do not know the dry matter percentage of your pasture, 20% is a common reference for young pastures.
Frequently asked questions
What intake percentage should I use?
It depends on the animal. A cow in production eats more relative to her weight than a dry cow. If you do not have the figure, 3% is a good starting point.
What utilization should I use?
It is the share of the pasture that the cattle actually eat. In rotational grazing it is usually between 50 and 70%; the rest is left as residual or gets trampled.
How many samples should I take?
It depends on the size of the paddock and how uniform it is. What matters is walking all of it and not cutting only where the pasture looks best.
Keep reading
This calculator is for information only and uses general references. Each farm's targets should be set with its veterinarian or technician.