How it is calculated
Working by groups gives a more realistic result than using a single average weight: a heifer does not weigh or eat the same as a cow in production. The animal units of each group are added up and the total is divided by the area.
Intake is estimated using a reference of 13.5 kg of dry matter per day per animal unit, close to 3% of its live weight.
How to read the result
Very short grass, bare soil, weeds, and animals losing condition.
Overmature grass, a lot of refusal, and wasted forage.
The pasture recovers between grazings and the cattle hold their condition.
There is no ideal number that works for every farm: it depends on the pasture, the climate and the time of year. That is why the stocking rate is compared with what your own paddock produces, which is measured through pasture measurement.
Frequently asked questions
What is an animal unit?
It is a measure for adding up animals of different sizes. In this calculator, one animal unit equals 450 kg of live weight.
How do I know if my stocking rate is right?
Compare it with the paddock's carrying capacity, which comes from the pasture measurement. If the current stocking rate is higher than the capacity, the pasture does not get the chance to recover.
Is the stocking rate the same all year round?
No. Pasture grows differently in the rainy season and the dry season, so the stocking rate the paddock can support changes too.
Keep reading
This calculator is for information only and uses general references. Each farm's targets should be set with its veterinarian or technician.