Hobbies And Interests
Cost
Continuous grazing requires the least management of resources and, therefore, is the most cost-effective form of grazing. Since only one field is being used, only one boundary fence is needed. There is also one water point used, so the herder does not have to worry about water transport issues at many different spots.
Stocking Rate
The stocking rate for the grazing area needs to be precise. The stocking rate refers to the number of animals the field is able to support over the season. If the stocking rate is not known, then animals need to be removed or added depending on the growth of the pasture over the season. In extreme cases, parts of the pasture sometimes need to be closed. Therefore, studies on seasonal fluctuations are required as herbage is not rationed with continuous grazing.
Animal Disturbance
Continuous grazing results in the least disturbance to the animals, which in turn makes for more relaxed animals. The permanence of the camp site also makes it easy to keep grazing records throughout the season. These advantages also help with time management, as time is freed up that is otherwise used to move the herd.
Health
One of the major disadvantages of continuous grazing is that animals are sometimes not seen for extended periods of time, depending on the pasture locations. If a few animals become ill or are in poor condition, this is not noticed until a larger portion of the herd becomes ill. The result is decreased profitability of the herd for that season. There are many illness issues that are due to food stock, fertilizer poisoning and general disease.