Stocking ratios apply to sheep and goat production
As land resources and forage vary from region to region, sheep and goat farmers have a multitude of decisions to make regarding stocking rate and carrying capacity.
Sheep and goats are no different from other grazing livestock as they need a certain number of natural resources as well as grazing areas.
According to Ken Coffey, animal science professor at the University of Arkansas, one and a half to two sheep or goats per acre is usually the ratio needed to sustain proper grazing and animal health.
However, not all land is the same, so the acreage will vary, affecting the stocking ratio needed to sustain the livestock. Numerous factors go into the acreage’s carrying capacity, such as rainfall, foliage, grasslands, and soil.
“Your climate, your rain distribution … stocking it to where you don’t overgraze,” said Coffey, emphasizing the area’s rainfall.
Coffey said the biggest problem in small ruminants is parasites. The problem becomes enhanced when overgrazing happens.
“When we overgraze, we overgraze right where the larva is and don’t allow for that forage to re-grow,” said Coffey.
The carrying capacity is heavily dependent on how the farmer chooses to manage the grazing schedule of the animals. More acreage is required for year-round grazing or a heavier diet than for seasonal or exercise grazing.
“It’s a crucial part of stocking … realizing what’s there and how long it takes to grow back,” said Coffey.
While sheep and goats are typically raised with similar practices, they also have varying needs and feeding tendencies.
Sheep tend to lean more on grass pastures for grazing, while goats prefer woodier plants. Goats are more likely to eat through twigs, shrubs, and most things in between.
Since goats are more inclined to consume woody plants, farmers need to adjust their rotation plans for over-browsing in those brush areas.
“The rest period of that browse (in brush areas) is much longer than it is for grass,” said Coffey.
However, since goats have more of a wide-ranging diet, they can use smaller spaces when on their own.
Sheep and goats also have different mineral requirements. Sheep have a low copper intake maxi-mum, while goats have high copper requirements in their diet. However, their diet selectivity could benefit the pasture if executed properly.
“If you meet the sheep requirement, you’re going to have deficient goats. If you meet the goat’s requirement, you’re going to have dead sheep,” said Coffey.
This does not mean that farmers shouldn’t graze their sheep and goats together. But it stresses the importance that the livestock’s nutritional needs are serviced when run together.
