Stocking density refers to the area of grazing land needed per animal.
To keep your pastures healthy, it is an important factor to consider. Stocking density is also important for knowing if your horse will need supplemental hay or grain. A 1000 lb. horse consumes 1.5-2% of their body weight per day in forage. This equates to around 15-20 pounds of dry matter pasture. If pastures aren’t large or healthy enough, they cannot support a horse’s forage needs. Of course, stocking density will vary by climate. It can also be impacted by factors such as time of year, weather patterns, grazing behavior, level of pasture management, and grass species. In temperate climates, the stocking density for properly tended pastures is 1-3 acres per horse. In drier climates or in unmanaged or poor pastures, the stocking density will rise to 3+ acres per horse. Overstocking pastures can lead to poor plant growth and excessive trampling that may result in plant death.
ROTATIONAL GRAZING
Rotational grazing can be used to help preserve pasture quality. With smaller farms, it may be the best way to go, in fact. One study showed that paddocks smaller than 1/4 acre for two horses may be feasible if a rotational grazing system is used. Dividing pastures into smaller units may be more expensive in the beginning, as more fencing materials and waterers will be needed. However, it may save you money that would be spent on additional hay and pasture upkeep in the long run.
PASTURE MANAGEMENT
Pasture management is an important element in determining stocking rate. If well maintained, smaller pastures can provide enough forage for some horses. Overgrazed or poorly tended pastures, on the other hand, will offer very little in the way of nutrition. When pasture has been grazed down to 2-4 inches, it is considered overgrazed and horses should be removed from it, if possible. Periodic mowing of pastures helps to restrict the spread of weeds and keeps other plants at similar levels of maturity. Fertilization and re-seeding can help to maintain healthier pastures and increase the amount of available forage. A combination of grasses and legumes, if possible, is recommended to provide the highest yields of forage, as well as the greatest variety in the horse’s diet.
By following stocking density recommendations, you can ensure that both your pastures andhorses stay healthy.
