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Stocking Rate Calculator

Estimates how many animals a pasture can support without overgrazing.

Dry matter. Measure or take it from local records. It varies a lot with rainfall and soil.

%

The share of the forage the animals actually eat. The rest stays for regrowth or is lost to trampling, dung and weathering. About 25% is a common planning figure for season-long grazing, and closer rotational grazing can raise it.

%

Your nutritionist’s figure. Dry matter basis.

days
Animals it can carry
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Share sends a link that reopens these numbers. Copy details pastes the full breakdown as a list.

Area per animal —
Animals per hectare —
Animals per acre —
Animal units per hectare —
Reading this —

The formula

animals = forage × area × utilisation ÷ (liveweight × intake % × days)

An animal unit here is the US definition, a 1,000 lb (454 kg) cow.

What to watch out for

Plan on a dry year rather than an average one, and keep water points within reach so the grazing is even. Rules or scheme limits may cap stocking separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cows per hectare?

At 6,000 kg DM/ha, 25% use, 600 kg animals at 2.5% intake for 180 days, 0.56 per hectare. Your own forage figures decide it.

What is the difference between stocking rate and stocking density?

Stocking rate is animals over the whole grazing area for the season. Density is how many are on a paddock at any one time.

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