One key principle of grazing management is the proper distribution of livestock, in which the primary objective is to use forages more efficiently without damaging the resource. Livestock, much like people, tend to eat and live habitually. They seldom put forth any more effort to satisfy their needs than necessary. I frequently observe both under and overuse of forages with a single pasture or paddock, even under ideal conditions. These differences within a given pasture are caused by the grazing habits of the animals using it.
Livestock are both area and species-selective.
The locations of water, salt, minerals, and feeding areas greatly influence grazing distribution. Animals typically visit these locations at least once a day. Since many of us put out salt and feed by water, it soon becomes obvious that we inhibit livestock distribution. Separating the three, if possible, would facilitate better forage use. Kind and class of livestock also might influence grazing distribution.