Before seedstalks develop, forage quality is high and palatability good. After seedheads emerge, nutrient levels become low and switchgrass becomes unacceptable as pasture. Animals are reluctant to eat mature switchgrass and may refuse it entirely if other feed is available. Begin grazing switchgrass when it becomes ready to graze, regardless of how much grazing potential remains on cool-season pastures. If switchgrass becomes stemmy before grazing begins, cut it for hay and graze the regrowth about 45 days later.
Several options are available for managing switchgrass.
Stock the pasture so livestock will consume switchgrass at the same rate that it grows. Keep plant height between eight and 16 inches for six to eight weeks, then remove livestock for 30 to 45 days. Any regrowth then can be grazed to a stubble height no shorter than eight inches. Usually it is better to stock switchgrass too heavily and move animals to other pastures sooner than planned than to stock lightly and have abundant seed-head development. Livestock remove switchgrass uniformly.