Enter the forage mass, intake rate, and average cattle weight into the calculator to determine the number of cattle per hectare for grazing.
Cattle Per Hectare Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the number of cattle per hectare:
C/H = FM / (IR * CW)
Variables:
- C/H is the number of cattle per hectare
- FM is the forage mass (kg of dry matter per hectare)
- IR is the intake rate (percentage of body weight)
- CW is the average cattle weight (kg)
To calculate the number of cattle per hectare, divide the forage mass by the product of the intake rate and the average cattle weight.
What is Cattle Per Hectare?
Cattle per hectare is a measure of the stocking rate, which indicates the number of cattle that can be sustainably grazed on a hectare of land. This calculation is important for pasture management, ensuring that the land can provide sufficient forage for the cattle without being overgrazed. It helps farmers and ranchers make informed decisions about livestock density and grazing rotations.
How to Calculate Cattle Per Hectare?
The following steps outline how to calculate the number of cattle per hectare:
- First, determine the forage mass (FM) in kilograms of dry matter per hectare.
- Next, determine the intake rate (IR) as a percentage of the cattle’s body weight.
- Next, determine the average cattle weight (CW) in kilograms.
- Next, gather the formula from above = C/H = FM / (IR * CW).
- Finally, calculate the number of cattle per hectare (C/H).
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem:
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
Forage mass (FM) = 2000 kg DM/ha
Intake rate (IR) = 2.5% of body weight
Average cattle weight (CW) = 500 kg
