grazing

Grazing is the act of feeding by herbivores on growing forage, typically grasses and other vegetation, in pastures, meadows, or rangelands. It is a central feeding strategy for domestic livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats, and horses, and occurs naturally among wild herbivores as well. Grazing management encompasses how animals are moved and how forage is allocated to balance animal production with plant and soil health.

Common grazing systems include continuous grazing, where livestock graze a single area for extended periods, and rotational or intensive rotational grazing, in which animals graze small paddocks for short periods and are moved to allow forage rest and regrowth.

Key management concepts are stocking rate, rest period, forage allowance, and monitoring of pasture condition. When properly managed, grazing can support biodiversity, improve soil structure and organic matter, and reduce weed pressure. Poorly planned grazing can lead to overgrazing, soil erosion, loss of plant species, and degraded rangelands.

Grazing systems are adapted to climate, soil type, forage species, and economic goals. They may include supplemental feeding, water and fencing infrastructure, and regular pasture assessment. Historically, grazing shaped land use and pastoral livelihoods across many regions, and in modern agriculture it remains an important, scientifically informed practice for converting forage to animal products while aiming to maintain ecosystem resilience.