rotational grazing?

[parsley]

I am going to rent a 4 acre field with a boundary fence. The ground is level and very well drained, has good quality pasture and will be grazed by a cob and a shetland (hopefully together). I was wondering how many paddocks to split it into and how long to graze each. Would 6 paddocks with a week on each be ok for year round grazin (each paddock just over half an acre) or should I do four - I was just wondering what people's opinions and experiences are?

ALSO does anyone have any recommendations for a pasture management book?

 

[MillionDollar]

I would have 4 paddocks, and then use one for at least a month. I think you'll find you'll have too much grass for a cob and shetland TBH.

 

[nikki_07766]

We have the same amount in 4, we graze two for the summer, one for a month and a month on the other and then graze the other two for winter with the same rota. we have far to much grass for our 2 a 16 hh cob and a 17hh ish. we have to get the farmer in to top 2 - 3 times a year.

 

[parsley]

Thanks - the farmer I will be renting off will top it for me. He is quite keen that the sward stays in good condition - do they eat it right down in one month?

 

[nikki_07766]

No not at all, there's a fair bit left for them still, there not out 24/7 tho but a fair few hours everyday.

 

[parsley]

ok thanks

I'm hoping to leave them both out all winter as the cob has ROAD and hopefully they will get a lot of their food from grass.

 

[Jellymoon]

I think you'll definitely be able to leave them out all year round without giving them much else (if anything) with a cob and a shetland on 4 acres - lucky thing! 4 paddocks sounds good.

 

[nuffield]

I'd do 4 equal size then divide one of then into half so in the spring and earlysummer they cob and shetland will have restricted graxing and so avoid laminitis