Pasture Carrying Capacity Calculator
Pasture Carrying Capacity
Determine how many animal units a pasture can support based on forage growth, rest period, and seasonal production patterns.
Formula
Available Forage = Acres x Growth Rate x Months x Utilization%; Animal Units = Available Forage / (AU Demand x Months); Acres Per AU = Total Acres / Animal Units
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an animal unit?
An animal unit (AU) is defined as one 1,000-pound cow with a calf, consuming approximately 780 pounds of dry matter per month or 26 pounds per day.
Why not graze all the forage?
Leaving 40 to 60 percent of forage ungrazed maintains plant root reserves, prevents soil compaction, reduces erosion, and ensures pasture regrowth for sustainable long-term production.