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parsley
Carpal \'Tunnel


Reged: 23/08/2005
Posts: 5839
rotational grazing?
      #3489132 - 06/09/2008 11:39

I am going to rent a 4 acre field with a boundary fence. The ground is level and very well drained, has good quality pasture and will be grazed by a cob and a shetland (hopefully together). I was wondering how many paddocks to split it into and how long to graze each. Would 6 paddocks with a week on each be ok for year round grazin (each paddock just over half an acre) or should I do four - I was just wondering what people's opinions and experiences are?

ALSO does anyone have any recommendations for a pasture management book?


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_Claire_
Carpal \'Tunnel


Reged: 20/06/2006
Posts: 5288
Loc: The Best Shire
Re: rotational grazing? [Re: parsley]
      #3489504 - 06/09/2008 12:47

I would have 4 paddocks, and then use one for at least a month. I think you'll find you'll have too much grass for a cob and shetland TBH.

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nikki_07766
old hand


Reged: 16/06/2005
Posts: 772
Loc: Stickney, Boston,Lincolnshire
Re: rotational grazing? [Re: _Claire_]
      #3490625 - 06/09/2008 17:02

We have the same amount in 4, we graze two for the summer, one for a month and a month on the other and then graze the other two for winter with the same rota. we have far to much grass for our 2 a 16 hh cob and a 17hh ish. we have to get the farmer in to top 2 - 3 times a year.

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parsley
Carpal \'Tunnel


Reged: 23/08/2005
Posts: 5839
Re: rotational grazing? [Re: nikki_07766]
      #3490842 - 06/09/2008 18:18

Thanks - the farmer I will be renting off will top it for me. He is quite keen that the sward stays in good condition - do they eat it right down in one month?

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nikki_07766
old hand


Reged: 16/06/2005
Posts: 772
Loc: Stickney, Boston,Lincolnshire
Re: rotational grazing? [Re: parsley]
      #3490972 - 06/09/2008 19:20

No not at all, there's a fair bit left for them still, there not out 24/7 tho but a fair few hours everyday.

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parsley
Carpal \'Tunnel


Reged: 23/08/2005
Posts: 5839
Re: rotational grazing? [Re: nikki_07766]
      #3491018 - 06/09/2008 19:38

ok thanks I'm hoping to leave them both out all winter as the cob has ROAD and hopefully they will get a lot of their food from grass.

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SuperFurryAnimal
newbie


Reged: 17/08/2008
Posts: 40
Re: rotational grazing [Re: parsley]
      #3492599 - 07/09/2008 11:59

I think you'll definitely be able to leave them out all year round without giving them much else (if anything) with a cob and a shetland on 4 acres - lucky thing! 4 paddocks sounds good.

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nuffield
old hand


Reged: 29/12/2006
Posts: 755
Loc: Shropshire
Re: rotational grazing [Re: SuperFurryAnimal]
      #3492686 - 07/09/2008 13:00

I'd do 4 equal size then divide one of then into half so in the spring and earlysummer they cob and shetland will have restricted graxing and so avoid laminitis

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I'VE SOLD MY LANDY! Anyone looking for a nice 3 yr old pony? Pony Club type.


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