Continuous grazing encourages grass to tiller. This improves pasture stability and production over a long period of time. Certain plant species, such as johnsongrass, big bluestem, indiangrass and switchgrass, are not well suited for continuous grazing since they may be killed by repeated, close defoliation. But, this is difficult to do without allowing rest periods. Hay-type alfalfas should also be rotationally grazed.
Tall grass is one indication of understocking.
When rotational grazing is used, the farm is subdivided into several pastures which are each grazed for a few days in turn. As cattle are moved from one pasture to another, the one just vacated is rested for several days or weeks. Permanent fencing and electrical fencing have both been used effectively in rotational grazing management systems. The rest period for each pasture varies depending on the forage growth rate. The number of pastures may vary from only 3 or 4 to 12 or more.