The Multiple Benefits of Rotational Grazing
Many alpaca and llama owners begin their relationship with the land
as an afterthought of owning these beautiful animals. However, the benefits of proper land
care are multiple and should take equal importance to herd management plans. Of the
numerous tools available for land improvement, rotational grazing is perhaps one of the
most rewarding since its rapid results impact not only the health of our soil but also all
its dependent enterprises.
Healthier land = Healthier animals.
Improving soil quality begins with a plan for a rotational usage of the
land. This can be achieved by fencing plots through which animals are moved for
predetermined amounts of time. Control of the time animals spend in each plot ensures a
more efficient and uniform utilization of the forage production. Also, animals that ingest
more of their natural food sources --rather than cut hay or pellets-- decrease their
dependence on medication as overall health improves. Access to quality pasture has in fact
been documented to produce higher fertility rates and lower cria-mortality rates.
Rotational grazing therefore seems to facilitate the breeder’s production of
healthier animals and cleaner fleeces, thereby producing higher quality products for sale.
Healthier land = Greater productivity.
Rotationally grazed pastures control overgrazing of the overly nutritious
but preferred leguminous species. Continuous animal movement through pastures also creates
a "herd effect" that loosens the soil more evenly. This ensures that manure is
processed faster through the natural cycles while clearing old vegetation for new
regrowth. Thus managed, the land provides increasingly greater amounts of more nutritious
plants for the herd’s health benefits. Another significant benefit of such increased
pasture productivity is decreased expense on purchased hay.
Healthier land = Healthier ecosystems.
Healthier soil is not only beneficial to our immediate herd requirements but also has a
positive impact on wildlife habitat, preserves or improves watersheds and beautifies
scenery. These benefits impact a whole community and not only the farmer implementing
control over animals and land through rotational grazing.
Healthier land = New image for Exotic Animal Farms.
Exotic animal farms are often described as "luxury" farms that
contribute minimally to their immediate environment. This perception can and should be
changed: Alpaca and llama breeders can, through the careful management and improvement of
their land, show agricultural leadership. At the same time, such farms can provide
environmentally friendly employment opportunities such as wool washing and processing as
well as llama-packing and other activities.
Of the numerous tools available to the farmer and breeder wishing to improve overall
productivity and quality, rotational grazing is perhaps one of the most
gratifying. Its
impact on land and animals is almost immediate and its long term benefits
incalculable.
The land produces more and better quality forage and animals become healthier while
feeding and veterinary costs decrease. But, perhaps most importantly, it places the alpaca
and llama farmer in the position of demonstrating to rural communities that age-old
agricultural practices can be sucessfully implemented with non-traditional
livestock. What
better marketing can we hope for in a world that is seeking lifestyle as well as
agricultural alternatives.
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