Pasture Stocking
| Animal | Forage Intake (% of Body Weight) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cattle | 4% | 2.5-3% intake, 0.5% trampling, 0.5-1% buffer |
| Sheep | 3-4% | Higher due to faster metabolism |
| Goats | 4-6% | Browsers, consume more relative to weight |
| Horses | 1.5-3% | Lower intake but more selective eaters |
| Pigs | 2-4% | Varies with forage availability and diet composition |
| Chickens | ~4-6% | Forage is supplemental to feed |
| Rabbits | ~5% | High fiber diet |
How to Estimate Pasture Stocking
The Pasture Stocking Calculator helps you determine how many animals can fit on a piece of land or how much land is needed to sustain a given number of animals. Follow these steps:
-
Choose Your Calculation Type
Select whether you want to calculate the number of animals that can fit on a piece of land or the amount of land needed for a set number of animals. This can be done via the dropdown menu under "Calculation Based on." -
Input Total Land or Total Animals
- If calculating how many animals can fit, enter the total land area (in acres) and the average forage yield (lbs per acre). - If calculating how much land is needed, enter the total number of animals, the average animal weight, and their forage intake (as a percentage of their body weight). -
Input Animal and Forage Information
- Enter the average weight of the animals. - Enter the forage intake (percentage of the animal's body weight per day). -
Input Grazing Days
Enter how many days you plan to graze the animals on the land. This affects the calculation of how much forage the animals will consume over time. -
Click Calculate
After entering the necessary information, click the "Calculate" button. The calculator will either display how many animals can fit on the land or how much land is needed for the specified number of animals based on the provided inputs.
For more accurate results: Ensure the forage intake percentage is correct for the type of animal and that the forage yield per acre is accurate for your land type.