Many types of forage are available from which to choose. Perennials continue in a pasture year after year while annuals have top be planted every year. Many are warm season while some are cool season, which can be interceded into warm season grasses allowing for cool season grazing in areas where the environment permits. When determining the type of forage to be utilized on a ranch, an individual must consider the forage s ability to perform well in the given environment, management involved in maintaining the forage, how an animal utilizes the forage, and how the forage withstands grazing. Proper grazing management needs to be implemented to assure proper utilization and management of the forage.
Some forage is grown for hay , while others are suitable only for grazing.
There are a wide variety of forages grown in the United States, and great differences occur within a single forage due to management, weather, and other factors. Therefore, a producer needs to pay close attention to the forage quality and utilization by livestock. Use of forage analysis combined with advice from research and extension personnel, a valid management recommendation can be made. Hopefully, the information available will help an individual understand the potential uses of several types of forages. However, an understanding of the factors affecting the ability of ruminant livestock to utilize the different types of forages is essential in a good management program.