Forage availability declined through the season as stocking rate increased. Higher stocking rates produced higher net energy forage with little variance through the seasons Figure 3. Net energy available per acre varied through the season and was significantly affected by stocking rate. Daily net energy demand per acre declined through the season at all stocking rates due to decling average daily gain. As stocking rate increases, the animal demand for nutrients from every acre in the grazing unit increases.
Nutrient density is greater in less mature forage than in older plant material.
Increased grazing pressure causes the animals to consume more plant material and stimulates regrowth, thus high grazing pressure increases nutrient density of the forage while lower grazing pressure decreases forage quality but leaves more forage available per acre. The challenge facing grazing managers is whether a lesser amount of high quality forage or a greater amount of lower quality forage is more conducive to animal growth. This study shows that even though high grazing pressure produces the highest quality forage, the amount available to the grazing animal is inadequate to meet their needs for both body maintenance and growth. A moderate stocking rate produces the best combination of forage quality and quantity.