1. What is Cow Days Per Acre?

Cow Days Per Acre is a measure of how many days a given number of cows can graze on one acre of pasture based on available forage. It helps farmers and ranchers plan grazing rotations and manage pasture resources effectively.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following equation:

Where:

• Forage Yield — Total available forage per acre (kg/acre)
• Daily Intake — Amount of forage each cow consumes per day (kg/cow/day)
• Stocking Rate — Number of cows grazing per acre (cows/acre)

Explanation: The calculation first determines how many cow-days of forage are available per acre, then divides by the stocking rate to determine actual grazing days.

3. Importance of Grazing Calculations

Details: Proper grazing management helps maintain pasture health, prevents overgrazing, ensures adequate nutrition for livestock, and optimizes land use efficiency.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Forage yield can be estimated through clipping and weighing sample areas
• Typical daily intake is about 2.5-3% of a cow's body weight in dry matter
• Stocking rate depends on pasture quality and management goals

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical forage yield for pastures?
A: Yields vary widely (1,000-10,000 kg/acre) depending on grass type, soil quality, rainfall, and management.

Q2: How do I estimate daily intake?
A: A 1,000 lb (450 kg) cow typically eats 25-30 lbs (11-14 kg) of dry matter per day.

Q3: What's a sustainable stocking rate?
A: This depends on your region and pasture type, but 1-2 cows per acre is common for improved pastures.

Q4: Should I leave residual forage?
A: Yes, leaving 3-4 inches of residual grass promotes regrowth and maintains root health.

Q5: How does this relate to rotational grazing?
A: This calculation helps determine how long to leave cattle in one paddock before rotating.