This study in Nebraska determined the effect of timing and frequency of grazing big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) pasture following a May grazing period on herbage availability and herbage disappearance for the remainder of the grazing season and stand persistence. A May grazing period followed by a recovery period of 30 days or more does not affect stand persistence and improves efficiency of use of standing forage for the remainder of the growing season. Grazing at the vegetative stage in June compared with grazing at the elongation stage in June results in higher seasonal leaf yields and harvest efficiency. Long recovery periods in midsummer result in relatively low leaf/stem ratios for the season. Minimum regrowth time in the summer appears to be 40 days. Grazing at the elongation stage in June followed by a grazing period in early August results in low stand productivity and use. The authors suggest that managers should adopt grazing strategies that rotate grazing periods at the elongation stage in June among paddocks over years. They also should avoid August grazing periods after paddocks have been grazed in June at the elongation stage to prevent damage to the stand.
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