What is the ideal number of paddocks?
Morrical: The ideal number of paddocks in a system is difficult since there is no ideal number. In terms of rest and recovery, six paddocks may be enough. Generally, six paddocks means cows would rotate every three to six days. Cows nutrient requirements are not that great and forage quality is not as critical compared to stockers or dairy cows. In reality, two paddocks are much better than continuous grazing. Four to five paddocks with weekly rotations is a pretty typical cow pasture grazing system. As one gets to five or more paddocks it makes it possible to hay a portion of the paddocks during the early portion of the grazing season. More paddocks means more flexibility and more control. Most operators start with four and quickly go to more once they observe what rest and recovery does for pasture productivity.
