Farm Animals

Cattle Pasture Management and Welfare

Pasture management determines the quality of grazing available to cattle, with poorly managed pasture contributing to nutritional deficiencies and welfare problems.

Key Facts

Optimal sward height for dairy grazing is 7-10cm - too short reduces intake, too long wastes grass
Over-grazed pastures reduce micronutrient availability, increasing deficiency risk
Clover-rich pastures provide natural nitrogen fixation and high-quality protein
Extended grazing seasons improve welfare through increased natural behaviour opportunity
Rotational grazing systems maintain sward quality and parasite management

Welfare Considerations

Pasture quality directly affects cattle nutrition and welfare. Poor-quality, over-grazed pasture provides insufficient nutrition for high-producing cows, causing body condition loss and metabolic problems. Well-managed diverse pasture supports optimal nutrition while allowing expression of natural grazing behaviour.

What You Can Do

Support farms investing in pasture quality management and sward assessment
Advocate for extended grazing seasons in cattle welfare certification
Choose dairy and beef products from farms with pasture-based systems where possible