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Rotational grazing: paddocks and rest

How many days the batch stays in each paddock and how long the pasture rests before returning.

Pre-sizing and estimating tool: the results do not replace a design, calculation, or report signed by a qualified professional, nor verification against the applicable standards.

Preliminary estimateRevision 12/11/2026
Pasture
Batch

Assumes the herd eats the forage evenly. In practice, there is leftover forage and trampling losses; so check the entry and exit height of the grass.

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—Rest period of each paddock
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Rest period by number of paddocks

Days each paddock rests before it is grazed again, for the same batch and pasture.

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Occupation of each paddock based on the number of paddocks

Number of days the batch stays in each paddock.

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What if the data changes?

Drag the controls to simulate data different from what you entered (from 30% less to 30% more) and watch the result change instantly.

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Paddocks: size, occupation and rest

For different numbers of paddocks, with the same area, the same batch and the same forage mass as your scenario. The highlighted row is yours.

Step by step with your numbers

The calculation done in steps, with the values you entered.

    The calculation memo gathers this page's inputs, results, equations, assumptions, and references, with fields for project, responsible person, and review. The full report also includes the charts and interpretations, in color. In the print window, choose Save as PDF.

    How to use

    Enter the pasture area, number of paddocks, forage mass per hectare (in kg of DM), number of animals, average live weight, and daily intake as a percentage of live weight. The calculator shows the occupation and rest of each paddock.

    Hypothetical example

    20 ha in 8 paddocks, with 1,500 kg of MS/ha. Lot of 40 animals of 450 kg, eating 2.5% of live weight per day.

    Total forage = 1,500 × 20 = 30,000 kg of DM. Batch intake = 40 × 450 × 2.5% = 450 kg/day.

    Grazing days = 30,000 ÷ 450 = 66.7. Occupation = 66.7 ÷ 8 = 8.3 days. Rest = (8 − 1) × 8.3 = 58 days.

    Precautions

    • Paddock changes should follow the grass height, not just the number of days. Check the entry and exit heights for your forage.
    • Forage mass varies a lot over the year; redo the calculation in the dry season and the rainy season.
    • Leftovers and trampling losses reduce the forage actually available.

    Method, assumptions, and references

    Equations used

    Total forage (kg DM) = forage mass (kg DM/ha) × area
    Lot intake (kg MS/day) = animals × live weight × intake (%) ÷ 100
    Occupation (days) = total forage ÷ herd intake ÷ number of paddocks
    Rest period (days) = (number of paddocks − 1) × occupation

    Assumptions and limits

    • The batch is assumed to consume the available forage evenly; in practice there are leftovers and losses from trampling.
    • Forage mass equal across paddocks; regrowth depends on the entry and exit height, not just on the days.
    • Intake in % of live weight is a typical value for grazing cattle; adjust it to your herd.

    Standards and technical documents

    • Hodgson, J. Grazing management: science into practice. Harlow: Longman, 1990.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the ideal rest period?

    It depends on the climate, the forage, and the time of year. The rest period should let the plant reach the entry height set for it; the calculation gives the time reference.

    What changes if I increase the number of paddocks?

    Each paddock is occupied for fewer days and the rest period increases. But very short occupations can leave the herd without good-quality pasture.

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