| To test the hypothesis that utilization is more even at the higher stocking densities of smaller paddocks, utilization was measured by ocular estimate by plot in paddocks representing stocking densities found in 2-paddock deferred potation grazing and in 16-, 32-, and 64-paddock, 2-cycle rotations, during 2000 and 2001. Within intensive rotation paddocks, there was no response to the treatment gradient, but these were generally more evenly utilized than deferred rotation paddocks. After a second cycle in 2001, half of the intensive rotation paddocks were as unevenly utilized as the early-grazed deferred rotation paddock. This was probably due to the fixed 2-cycle schedule and lack of plant growth during the rest interval. Treatment differences could be greater in commercial-scale paddocks. Utilization distribution can be made more even by intensifying grazing management, but improvement under intensive rotational grazing depends on how well the system, particularly the aspect of timing, is managed. |
