ABSTRACT
Ranchers have developed a growing interest in grazing systems. The number and variation of grazing systems is almost infinite. Every ranch has its peculiar characteristics even adjoining ranches with similar ecological conditions differ in objectives, management, and financial capabilities. For this presentation, the chapter considers some of the most common grazing systems, knowing that within each of them the variations are numerous. Continuous grazing is the constant use of forage on a given area, either throughout the year or during most of the growing period. A rotation system moves animals from one pasture to another according to a fixed schedule. Within this system are the extensive (or non-intensive) and the intensive systems. The two most common types of intensive grazing systems are the high intensity-low frequency, and the short-duration grazing. Apart from the specific objectives that a rancher might have, there are a number of general objectives for selecting his grazing system.
