Sorghum-sudangrasses produce higher yields, but are better used to support livestock on maintenance or lower productivity levels. Graze these summer annual grasses in a short, rotational grazing system. Subdivide fields into three or more pastures so that each pasture can be grazed down in 7 to 10 days. Stagger the date of planting each pasture by about 10 days so that grazing will begin on each pasture when growth is at the appropriate height. This rotation system allows maximum production of nutritious forage.
Pastures can be irrigationd and fertilized after each grazing period if desired.
Graze sudangrass and pearl millet when they reach 15 to 20 inches in height and sorghum-sudangrass hybrids when they are 18 to 24 inches tall. Danger from prussic acid poisoning will be low when grazing is delayed until grass is this tall. Graze down rapidly to 6 inches of stubble before moving livestock to a fresh pasture, and do not graze regrowth until 18 inches of growth accumulates. If growth is more than 36 inches tall, harvest as hay, green chop, or silage since grazing cattle will trample and waste much of the growth. Regrowth will be more rapid following cutting this taller growth than if it is trampled.