Palatability for Cattle

Many things contribute to livestock grazing preference - stage of maturity, individual differences in plants and animals, use of fertilizers, kind of livestock and soil differences, to name a few.  Any rating may be challenged.  However, palatability is a significant factor in choosing species for specific seasons of use or for use in mixtures.  Most species low in palatability are well utilized when fenced sepa­rately and when grazed during their period of maximum growth.  Most will produce similar gains as the more palatable species.  Species are rated by cattle response to grazing.  Sheep show similar response but exhibit greater preference for tender, succulent growth.  Species compared at similar growth stages. 

Green Growth Period (or roughly the period of most active growth)

1 = High.- May be overused in mixtures or in pure stands if not carefully managed. 
2 = Medium.  - compatible with most species that have a similar period of optimum growth and maturity. 
3 = Low - cattle tend to graze only after more palatable species have been utilized. 

Winter months - dry, mature plant

1 = High.
2 = Medium. 
3 = Low - cattle graze these species very little until species in medium and high groups are over utilized.  It may be possible, with special management to use existing stands of grasses in this group for winter use, however, these species should not be selected for that purpose.