More efficient pasture use and livestock management result in a higher net economic return to the producer. A high stocking density is more efficient Stocking density is the number of animals on a particular piece of land at a given point in time. Concentrating the herd in one paddock of the system at a time translates into a high stocking density. Using small paddocks also increases stocking density. A high stocking density increases competition for feed between animals, forcing each to spend more time eating and less time wandering.
Competition also forces animals to be less selective when grazing.
They will eat species of plants that would be ignored in other grazing systems. This results in a reduction of less desirable plant species in the pasture. There are three phases of forage plant growth. In the initial phase, the plant grows slowly. Grazing during this stage can be harmful to the plant.