Spring and early summer proved to be the critical times for goat or sheep control of brush. Grazing after august 1 was of negligible value. Eight to 10 mature goats or sheep per acre may be required early in the season, but this stocking rate must be reduced later in the summer when pasture growth Slows. Although goats can clear brush from a pasture in one season, actual plant kill of brush species required continued grazing management for several seasons. Brush was reduced to 2 percent of pasture cover after five years of grazing by goats.
Rotational grazing makes management easier.
Mixed animal grazing is more complex but may be more economic after initial clearing. It is important to have enough animals and start grazing early. The key to control is repeated heavy defoliation in spring and early summer. It is easier to accomplish this with goats since they prefer most brush species to grass and clover. Sheep prefer grasses and clover and will defoliate brush after pasture has been heavily grazed.