Ruminants - Revision history

Seaweed: added links

2021-03-10T15:02:22Z

added links

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:02, 10 March 2021
Line 7:		Line 7:
	This study here suggests that given cattle's strong preference for grass and goat's ability to munch a grass and other vegetation that a mixed grazing system may be optimal. Sheep also can be thrown in the mix particularly if wool is desired. These could all be raised on the same pasture by rotating them through cells (see below).		This study here suggests that given cattle's strong preference for grass and goat's ability to munch a grass and other vegetation that a mixed grazing system may be optimal. Sheep also can be thrown in the mix particularly if wool is desired. These could all be raised on the same pasture by rotating them through cells (see below).

	{{~~Wanted~~\|~~Some organic farmers are interested in unconventional, locally-adapted ruminants like buffalo, deer, antelope etc. Some discussion of this would be cool~~}}		{{Warning\|see [[Ruminants#Current_Peer_Reviewed_Research]]}}

	==Current Peer Reviewed Research==		==Current Peer Reviewed Research==
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	This report from the Food Climate Research Network aims to dissect claims made by different stakeholders in the debate on grazing systems and their greenhouse gas emissions and evaluate them against the best available science, providing an authoritative and unbiased answer to the question: Is grass-fed beef good or bad for the climate?		This report from the Food Climate Research Network aims to dissect claims made by different stakeholders in the debate on grazing systems and their greenhouse gas emissions and evaluate them against the best available science, providing an authoritative and unbiased answer to the question: Is grass-fed beef good or bad for the climate?

	</blockquote>		</blockquote>
			<html><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/rYjVNRmqu4Q" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></html>

	<html><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/slZJ2jSjxSE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></html>		<html><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/slZJ2jSjxSE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></html>


	==Goats==		==Goats==

Seaweed: added current peer reviewed research

2021-03-05T23:05:09Z

added current peer reviewed research

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:05, 5 March 2021
Line 8:		Line 8:

	{{Wanted\|Some organic farmers are interested in unconventional, locally-adapted ruminants like buffalo, deer, antelope etc. Some discussion of this would be cool}}		{{Wanted\|Some organic farmers are interested in unconventional, locally-adapted ruminants like buffalo, deer, antelope etc. Some discussion of this would be cool}}

			==Current Peer Reviewed Research==
			Alan Savory has been repeatedly debunked in peer reviewed literature, holistic land management as he calls it doesn't not regenerate the land and they become significant sources of emissions after a very short time, see the most recent and most comprehensive study on the topic: [https://www.oxfordmartin.ox.ac.uk/publications/grazed-and-confused/ Oxford: Grazed and Confused?]
			<blockquote>
			Ruminating on cattle, grazing systems, methane, nitrous oxide, the soil carbon sequestration question – and what it all means for greenhouse gas emissions.

			This report from the Food Climate Research Network aims to dissect claims made by different stakeholders in the debate on grazing systems and their greenhouse gas emissions and evaluate them against the best available science, providing an authoritative and unbiased answer to the question: Is grass-fed beef good or bad for the climate?
			</blockquote>
			<html><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/slZJ2jSjxSE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></html>

	==Goats==		==Goats==
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	Pygmy		Pygmy

	Miniaturized Standard breeds		Miniaturized Standard breeds<s>

	==Mob-grazing / cell-grazing==		==Mob-grazing / cell-grazing==
Line 99:		Line 108:
	==Silvopasture==		==Silvopasture==
	Silvopasture refers to growing trees in pasture. This provides shade and forage for the animals, and improves the soil.		Silvopasture refers to growing trees in pasture. This provides shade and forage for the animals, and improves the soil.
			</s>
	==Using ponds in pasture==		==Using ponds in pasture==
	Reeds on the edge of water grow much faster than land-based forage can - see [[aquaculture]]. You can use this to grow extra forage - and therefore produce more meat - by letting ruminants graze along the edge of a pond. The edge of the pond should be crinkly, not straight, to maximize the edge area in which reeds can grow.		Reeds on the edge of water grow much faster than land-based forage can - see [[aquaculture]]. You can use this to grow extra forage - and therefore produce more meat - by letting ruminants graze along the edge of a pond. The edge of the pond should be crinkly, not straight, to maximize the edge area in which reeds can grow.

Sara Dzimianski at 00:29, 26 February 2012

2012-02-26T00:29:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:29, 26 February 2012
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	Cashmere		Cashmere

	'''		'''
	Dual Purpose Breeds'''		Dual Purpose Breeds'''

Sara Dzimianski: Added breed headings, added a hyperlink to production information and added some details to Land Requirement section.

2012-02-25T23:37:04Z

Added breed headings, added a hyperlink to production information and added some details to Land Requirement section.

@@ Line 13: / Line 13: @@
 ====Land Requirement====
-[http://media.eatwisconsincheese.com/dairyimpact/statistics/dairyStatistics.aspx US Dairy Statistics] indicate a total milk production of 287 kg (633 lb) per person, which is then used for direct consumption as fluid, and for making dairy products such as cheese.  An average dairy goat produces 3.8 kg (1 gallon) of milk per day, thus requiring 0.2 producing goats per person.  For a community of 200, therefore 41 milking goats are needed on a year-round average basis if goats are the sole ruminant.  The adult goat to milking goat ratio is [TBD], giving a total adult herd size of [TBD], plus kids, which are a byproduct of the milk production.
+[http://media.eatwisconsincheese.com/dairyimpact/statistics/dairyStatistics.aspx US Dairy Statistics] indicate a total milk production of 287 kg (633 lb) per person, which is then used for direct consumption as fluid, and for making dairy products such as cheese.  An average Saanen dairy goat produces 3.8 kg (1 gallon) of milk per day [http://www.adga.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=325:arc09breedavg&catid=46:production-testing&Itemid=200], thus requiring 0.2 producing goats per person.  For a community of 200, therefore 41 milking goats are needed on a year-round average basis if goats are the sole ruminant.  The adult goat to milking goat ratio is 5:4, giving a total adult herd size of 50, plus kids, which are a byproduct of the milk production. Standard lactation length for milking dairy does is 305 days, however does may be milked longer. Does milked continuously without re-breeding for two or more years will drop production by about 50% in the winter but return to normal production in the spring.
 For temperate regions with good soil, you can stock approximately 12 goats/ha (5/acre), thus giving a required pasture area of [TBD] for a community of 200. The following additional factors should be considered in order to fit goats/livestock into a community project:
@@ Line 32: / Line 32: @@
 ====Breeds====
 *http://www.kindergoats.com/ - Most people are not aware of a small meat/dairy goat called the Kinder [spoken "Kin-dur".] It was developed over 30 years ago and has gained great success in competing against its larger cousins. This little goat will produce a gallon of milk a day, is much more feed efficient than other breeds, is small so easy to handle (especially the bucks) and is stocky so makes for better meat than the other dairy breeds. Another advantage over other breeds is that the Kinder will breed all year long so you can rotate your milking does and always have plenty of milk. The milk is also higher in protein and butterfat so better for making cheese. This little goat was developed for the small farmstead. The primary lady behind this breed is a long time prepper and has always believed the Kinder will get the job done when other goats fail. For further information, see KinderGoat.com or contact Pat Showalter, primary founder and president of the Kinder Goat Breeder's Association at kinderzed@aol.com.
 ==Mob-grazing / cell-grazing==

DanielRavenNest: Added requirements calculations based on info provided by Sara Dzimianski

2012-02-25T21:59:56Z

Added requirements calculations based on info provided by Sara Dzimianski

@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 ==Goats==
-[http://media.eatwisconsincheese.com/dairyimpact/statistics/dairyStatistics.aspx US Dairy Statistics] indicate a total production of 287 kg (633 lb) per person.
+====Land Requirement====
 *http://www.kindergoats.com/ - Most people are not aware of a small meat/dairy goat called the Kinder [spoken "Kin-dur".] It was developed over 30 years ago and has gained great success in competing against its larger cousins. This little goat will produce a gallon of milk a day, is much more feed efficient than other breeds, is small so easy to handle (especially the bucks) and is stocky so makes for better meat than the other dairy breeds. Another advantage over other breeds is that the Kinder will breed all year long so you can rotate your milking does and always have plenty of milk. The milk is also higher in protein and butterfat so better for making cheese. This little goat was developed for the small farmstead. The primary lady behind this breed is a long time prepper and has always believed the Kinder will get the job done when other goats fail. For further information, see KinderGoat.com or contact Pat Showalter, primary founder and president of the Kinder Goat Breeder's Association at kinderzed@aol.com.

DanielRavenNest at 20:51, 25 February 2012

2012-02-25T20:51:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:51, 25 February 2012
Line 10:		Line 10:

	==Goats==		==Goats==

			[http://media.eatwisconsincheese.com/dairyimpact/statistics/dairyStatistics.aspx US Dairy Statistics] indicate a total production of 287 kg (633 lb) per person.

	*http://www.kindergoats.com/ - Most people are not aware of a small meat/dairy goat called the Kinder [spoken "Kin-dur".] It was developed over 30 years ago and has gained great success in competing against its larger cousins. This little goat will produce a gallon of milk a day, is much more feed efficient than other breeds, is small so easy to handle (especially the bucks) and is stocky so makes for better meat than the other dairy breeds. Another advantage over other breeds is that the Kinder will breed all year long so you can rotate your milking does and always have plenty of milk. The milk is also higher in protein and butterfat so better for making cheese. This little goat was developed for the small farmstead. The primary lady behind this breed is a long time prepper and has always believed the Kinder will get the job done when other goats fail. For further information, see KinderGoat.com or contact Pat Showalter, primary founder and president of the Kinder Goat Breeder's Association at kinderzed@aol.com.		*http://www.kindergoats.com/ - Most people are not aware of a small meat/dairy goat called the Kinder [spoken "Kin-dur".] It was developed over 30 years ago and has gained great success in competing against its larger cousins. This little goat will produce a gallon of milk a day, is much more feed efficient than other breeds, is small so easy to handle (especially the bucks) and is stocky so makes for better meat than the other dairy breeds. Another advantage over other breeds is that the Kinder will breed all year long so you can rotate your milking does and always have plenty of milk. The milk is also higher in protein and butterfat so better for making cheese. This little goat was developed for the small farmstead. The primary lady behind this breed is a long time prepper and has always believed the Kinder will get the job done when other goats fail. For further information, see KinderGoat.com or contact Pat Showalter, primary founder and president of the Kinder Goat Breeder's Association at kinderzed@aol.com.

Conor: /* Mob-grazing / cell-grazing */

2011-05-10T19:40:30Z

Mob-grazing / cell-grazing

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:40, 10 May 2011
Line 17:		Line 17:
	The form of grazing championed by [http://www.savoryinstitute.com/ The Savory Institute] and [http://polyfacefarms.com Polyface Farms] aims to replicate the natural grazing patterns of ruminants. The pasture is divided up into small cells by electric fencing connected to [[batteries]]. This fencing is very light and easy to rearrange. The entire herd is corralled into one cell at a very high density (e.g. 100 cows in a half-acre cell) and allowed to graze there for one day before being moved to the next cell. The livestock do their rounds of the pasture, one cell at a time. Each cell is grazed only a few days a year, and spends the rest of the time regrowing vegetation. (Permaculturalists will notice that this is the same method as the 'chicken tractor'; corralling livestock onto a small area for short periods of time to graze and improve the soil with manure and trampling/scratching.) You must observe how long it takes the vegetation to regrow; return the livestock to the cell when the vegetation has just finished its growth spurt and is entering maturity. 50-100 days is a typical regrowth time.		The form of grazing championed by [http://www.savoryinstitute.com/ The Savory Institute] and [http://polyfacefarms.com Polyface Farms] aims to replicate the natural grazing patterns of ruminants. The pasture is divided up into small cells by electric fencing connected to [[batteries]]. This fencing is very light and easy to rearrange. The entire herd is corralled into one cell at a very high density (e.g. 100 cows in a half-acre cell) and allowed to graze there for one day before being moved to the next cell. The livestock do their rounds of the pasture, one cell at a time. Each cell is grazed only a few days a year, and spends the rest of the time regrowing vegetation. (Permaculturalists will notice that this is the same method as the 'chicken tractor'; corralling livestock onto a small area for short periods of time to graze and improve the soil with manure and trampling/scratching.) You must observe how long it takes the vegetation to regrow; return the livestock to the cell when the vegetation has just finished its growth spurt and is entering maturity. 50-100 days is a typical regrowth time.

	The animals improve the soil by trampling and cultivating it, and with their manure. And when they mow down the forage, it drops its roots into the soil, where they rot and improve the soil further. The livestock do not just eat plain grass, but a whole range of grasses, groundcovers and weeds. This varied diet results in healthier animals, lower veterinary costs, and tastier meat. The key to the whole system is good soil, which allows forage to grow faster. Apart from the natural soil-improving effect of mob-grazing, amending the soil with [[:Category:Soil and compost\|compost]], [[worms]], [[biochar]] and [[Nitrogen Fixation\|nitrogen-fixing]] trees will further increase productivity. Ultimately, farming livestock comes down to farming forage. Cell-grazing on optimized soil allows for much higher stocking densities than would otherwise be possible; Polyface Farms stock about one cow per 1.5 acres, compared to one cow per 18 acres for extensive pastures.		The animals improve the soil by trampling and cultivating it, and with their manure. And when they mow down the forage, it drops its roots into the soil, where they rot and improve the soil further. The livestock do not just eat plain grass, but a whole range of grasses, groundcovers and weeds. This varied diet results in healthier animals, lower veterinary costs, and tastier meat. The key to the whole system is good soil, which allows forage to grow faster. Apart from the natural soil-improving effect of mob-grazing, amending the soil with [[:Category:Soil and compost\|compost]], [[worms]], [[biochar]] and [[Nitrogen Fixation\|nitrogen-fixing]] trees will further increase productivity. Ultimately, farming livestock comes down to farming forage. Cell-grazing on optimized soil allows for much higher stocking densities than would otherwise be possible; Polyface Farms stock about one cow per 1.5 acres and The Rodale Institute have one cow per 1.8 acres, compared to one cow per 18 acres for extensive pastures.

	*[http://www.savoryinstitute.com/ The Savory Institute]		*[http://www.savoryinstitute.com/ The Savory Institute]

Conor: /* Mob-grazing / cell-grazing */

2011-05-10T19:35:02Z

Mob-grazing / cell-grazing

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:35, 10 May 2011
Line 25:		Line 25:
	*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mftwXBAwnBU What mob-grazing looks like]		*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mftwXBAwnBU What mob-grazing looks like]
	*A YouTube serach for 'Polyface Farms' or 'Joel Salatin' yields a lot more information. They believe in transparency and in disseminating information about their farming methods to the public.		*A YouTube serach for 'Polyface Farms' or 'Joel Salatin' yields a lot more information. They believe in transparency and in disseminating information about their farming methods to the public.
			*http://newfarm.rodaleinstitute.org/features/2006/0606/grazingtall/collins.shtml - An article from The Rodale Institute on their grazing methods. Talks about timing, recovery, and the effects of mob-grazing on carbon and water flows. They graze 400-800 cows/acre (or 1,000-2,000 per hectare).

	==Silvopasture==		==Silvopasture==

Conor at 02:30, 5 May 2011

2011-05-05T02:30:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:30, 5 May 2011
Line 17:		Line 17:
	The form of grazing championed by [http://www.savoryinstitute.com/ The Savory Institute] and [http://polyfacefarms.com Polyface Farms] aims to replicate the natural grazing patterns of ruminants. The pasture is divided up into small cells by electric fencing connected to [[batteries]]. This fencing is very light and easy to rearrange. The entire herd is corralled into one cell at a very high density (e.g. 100 cows in a half-acre cell) and allowed to graze there for one day before being moved to the next cell. The livestock do their rounds of the pasture, one cell at a time. Each cell is grazed only a few days a year, and spends the rest of the time regrowing vegetation. (Permaculturalists will notice that this is the same method as the 'chicken tractor'; corralling livestock onto a small area for short periods of time to graze and improve the soil with manure and trampling/scratching.) You must observe how long it takes the vegetation to regrow; return the livestock to the cell when the vegetation has just finished its growth spurt and is entering maturity. 50-100 days is a typical regrowth time.		The form of grazing championed by [http://www.savoryinstitute.com/ The Savory Institute] and [http://polyfacefarms.com Polyface Farms] aims to replicate the natural grazing patterns of ruminants. The pasture is divided up into small cells by electric fencing connected to [[batteries]]. This fencing is very light and easy to rearrange. The entire herd is corralled into one cell at a very high density (e.g. 100 cows in a half-acre cell) and allowed to graze there for one day before being moved to the next cell. The livestock do their rounds of the pasture, one cell at a time. Each cell is grazed only a few days a year, and spends the rest of the time regrowing vegetation. (Permaculturalists will notice that this is the same method as the 'chicken tractor'; corralling livestock onto a small area for short periods of time to graze and improve the soil with manure and trampling/scratching.) You must observe how long it takes the vegetation to regrow; return the livestock to the cell when the vegetation has just finished its growth spurt and is entering maturity. 50-100 days is a typical regrowth time.

	The animals improve the soil by trampling and cultivating it, and with their manure. And when they mow down the forage, it drops its roots into the soil, where they rot and improve the soil further. The livestock do not just eat plain grass, but a whole range of grasses, groundcovers and weeds. This varied diet results in healthier animals, lower veterinary costs, and tastier meat. The key to the whole system is good soil, which allows forage to grow faster. Apart from the natural soil-improving effect of mob-grazing, amending the soil with [[:Category:Soil and compost\|compost]], [[worms]], [[biochar]] and nitrogen-fixing trees will further increase productivity. Ultimately, farming livestock comes down to farming forage. Cell-grazing on optimized soil allows for much higher stocking densities than would otherwise be possible; Polyface Farms stock about one cow per 1.5 acres, compared to one cow per 18 acres for extensive pastures.		The animals improve the soil by trampling and cultivating it, and with their manure. And when they mow down the forage, it drops its roots into the soil, where they rot and improve the soil further. The livestock do not just eat plain grass, but a whole range of grasses, groundcovers and weeds. This varied diet results in healthier animals, lower veterinary costs, and tastier meat. The key to the whole system is good soil, which allows forage to grow faster. Apart from the natural soil-improving effect of mob-grazing, amending the soil with [[:Category:Soil and compost\|compost]], [[worms]], [[biochar]] and [[Nitrogen Fixation\|nitrogen-fixing]] trees will further increase productivity. Ultimately, farming livestock comes down to farming forage. Cell-grazing on optimized soil allows for much higher stocking densities than would otherwise be possible; Polyface Farms stock about one cow per 1.5 acres, compared to one cow per 18 acres for extensive pastures.

	*[http://www.savoryinstitute.com/ The Savory Institute]		*[http://www.savoryinstitute.com/ The Savory Institute]
	*[http://polyfacefarms.com Polyface Farms] - they use a complex system in which cows, turkeys, pigs, chickens, hens and rabbits are rotated around the cells on a precise schedule.		*[http://polyfacefarms.com Polyface Farms] - they use a complex system in which cows, turkeys, pigs, chickens, hens and [[rabbits]] are rotated around the cells on a precise schedule.
	*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQPN1O03z8I#t=10m47s TED talk mentioning Polyface Farm]. Note the [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQPN1O03z8I#t=14m22s huge yields].		*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQPN1O03z8I#t=10m47s TED talk mentioning Polyface Farm]. Note the [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQPN1O03z8I#t=14m22s huge yields].
	*[http://vimeo.com/8239427 Lecture by Allan Savory] - long but eye-opening.		*[http://vimeo.com/8239427 Lecture by Allan Savory] - long but eye-opening.
	*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mftwXBAwnBU What mob-grazing looks like]		*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mftwXBAwnBU What mob-grazing looks like]
	*A YouTube serach for 'Polyface Farms' or 'Joel Salatin' yields a lot more information. They believe in transparency and in disseminating ~~as much~~ information ~~as possible~~ about their farming methods to the public.		*A YouTube serach for 'Polyface Farms' or 'Joel Salatin' yields a lot more information. They believe in transparency and in disseminating information about their farming methods to the public.

	==Silvopasture==		==Silvopasture==

Conor at 10:13, 2 May 2011

2011-05-02T10:13:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:13, 2 May 2011
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	{{Breadcrumb\|Food and Agriculture\|Animal Husbandry}}		{{Breadcrumb\|Food and Agriculture\|Animal Husbandry}}
	To ~~succesfuly~~ convert ~~the wide range of~~ grasses, broadleaf, and misc vegetation to food we need ruminants, but which ones? This page intends to explore the common ruminants of goats, cattle, sheep and come up with an optimal grazing strategy for given landscapes.		[[File:Goats1.jpg\|right\|400px]]To convert grasses, broadleaf, and misc vegetation to food we need ruminants, but which ones? This page intends to explore the common ruminants of goats, cattle, sheep and come up with an optimal grazing strategy for given landscapes.

	See also: [[Rabbits]]		See also: [[Rabbits]]

	http://www.caf.wvu.edu/avs/sheep/PDF/Newsletters/NLSPRING05.pdf		http://www.caf.wvu.edu/avs/sheep/PDF/Newsletters/NLSPRING05.pdf
	This study here suggests that given ~~cattles~~ strong preference for grass and ~~goats~~ ability to munch a grass and other vegetation that a mixed grazing system may be optimal. Sheep also can be thrown in the mix particularly if wool is desired. These could all be raised on the same pasture by rotating them through cells (see below).		This study here suggests that given cattle's strong preference for grass and goat's ability to munch a grass and other vegetation that a mixed grazing system may be optimal. Sheep also can be thrown in the mix particularly if wool is desired. These could all be raised on the same pasture by rotating them through cells (see below).

	{{Wanted\|Some organic farmers are interested in unconventional, locally-adapted ruminants like buffalo, deer, antelope etc. Some discussion of this would be cool}}		{{Wanted\|Some organic farmers are interested in unconventional, locally-adapted ruminants like buffalo, deer, antelope etc. Some discussion of this would be cool}}

	==Goats==		==Goats==
	*http://www.kindergoats.com/ - Most people are not aware of a small meat/dairy goat called the Kinder [, spoken "Kin-dur".] It was developed over 30 years ago and has gained great success in competing against its larger cousins. This little goat will produce a gallon of milk a day, is much more feed efficient than other breeds, is small so easy to handle (especially the bucks) and is stocky so makes for better meat than the other dairy breeds. Another advantage over other breeds is that the Kinder will breed all year long so you can rotate your milking does and always have plenty of milk. The milk is also higher in protein and butterfat so better for making cheese. This little goat was developed for the small farmstead. The primary lady behind this breed is a long time prepper and has always believed the Kinder will get the job done when other goats fail. For further information, see KinderGoat.com or contact Pat Showalter, primary founder and president of the Kinder Goat Breeder's Association at kinderzed@aol.com.		*http://www.kindergoats.com/ - Most people are not aware of a small meat/dairy goat called the Kinder [spoken "Kin-dur".] It was developed over 30 years ago and has gained great success in competing against its larger cousins. This little goat will produce a gallon of milk a day, is much more feed efficient than other breeds, is small so easy to handle (especially the bucks) and is stocky so makes for better meat than the other dairy breeds. Another advantage over other breeds is that the Kinder will breed all year long so you can rotate your milking does and always have plenty of milk. The milk is also higher in protein and butterfat so better for making cheese. This little goat was developed for the small farmstead. The primary lady behind this breed is a long time prepper and has always believed the Kinder will get the job done when other goats fail. For further information, see KinderGoat.com or contact Pat Showalter, primary founder and president of the Kinder Goat Breeder's Association at kinderzed@aol.com.

	==Mob-grazing / cell-grazing==		==Mob-grazing / cell-grazing==
	In the wild, herbivores gather together in tight groups for protection from predators. They graze a small area of pasture intensively, then move on to a different spot. By contrast, most farmers stock ruminants sparsely. Natural grazing is intensive; artificial grazing is extensive.		In the wild, herbivores gather together in tight groups for protection from predators. They graze a small area of pasture intensively, then move on to a different spot. By contrast, most farmers stock ruminants sparsely and rarely move them. Natural grazing is intensive; artificial grazing is extensive.

	The form of grazing championed by [http://www.savoryinstitute.com/ The Savory Institute] and [http://polyfacefarms.com Polyface Farms] aims to replicate the natural grazing patterns of ruminants. The pasture is divided up into small cells by electric fencing connected to [[batteries]]. This fencing is very light and easy to rearrange. The entire herd is corralled into one cell at a very high density, and allowed to graze for one day~~, then~~ moved on to the next cell. ~~Each cell is rested and allowed to regrow while the~~ livestock do their rounds of the pasture, one cell at a time. Permaculturalists will notice that this is the same method as the 'chicken tractor'; corralling livestock onto a small area for short periods of time to graze and improve the soil with trampling/scratching. ~~After grazing, the cells are rested for as many days as~~ it takes ~~for~~ the vegetation to ~~grow back~~; ~~you need to observe the growth of vegetation and~~ return the livestock to the cell when the vegetation has just finished its growth spurt and is entering maturity. 50-100 days is ~~about~~ typical.		The form of grazing championed by [http://www.savoryinstitute.com/ The Savory Institute] and [http://polyfacefarms.com Polyface Farms] aims to replicate the natural grazing patterns of ruminants. The pasture is divided up into small cells by electric fencing connected to [[batteries]]. This fencing is very light and easy to rearrange. The entire herd is corralled into one cell at a very high density (e.g. 100 cows in a half-acre cell) and allowed to graze there for one day before being moved to the next cell. The livestock do their rounds of the pasture, one cell at a time. Each cell is grazed only a few days a year, and spends the rest of the time regrowing vegetation. (Permaculturalists will notice that this is the same method as the 'chicken tractor'; corralling livestock onto a small area for short periods of time to graze and improve the soil with manure and trampling/scratching.) You must observe how long it takes the vegetation to regrow; return the livestock to the cell when the vegetation has just finished its growth spurt and is entering maturity. 50-100 days is a typical regrowth time.

	~~This method of farming revolves around growing a lot of~~ forage. The livestock do not just eat grass, but a range of grasses, groundcovers and weeds. This results in healthier animals, lower veterinary costs, and tastier meat. The key is good soil, which allows forage to grow faster. ~~This~~ natural grazing ~~pattern improves soil by itself, as the livestock manure the cells intensively, and the forage~~, ~~when it is grazed, sheds roots into the soil. Amending~~ the soil with [[:Category:Soil and compost\|compost]], [[worms]], [[biochar]] and nitrogen-fixing trees will further increase productivity. Ultimately, farming livestock comes down to farming forage. Cell-grazing on optimized soil allows for much higher stocking densities than would otherwise be possible; Polyface Farms stock about one cow per 1.5 acres, compared to one cow per 18 acres for extensive pastures.		The animals improve the soil by trampling and cultivating it, and with their manure. And when they mow down the forage, it drops its roots into the soil, where they rot and improve the soil further. The livestock do not just eat plain grass, but a whole range of grasses, groundcovers and weeds. This varied diet results in healthier animals, lower veterinary costs, and tastier meat. The key to the whole system is good soil, which allows forage to grow faster. Apart from the natural soil-improving effect of mob-grazing, amending the soil with [[:Category:Soil and compost\|compost]], [[worms]], [[biochar]] and nitrogen-fixing trees will further increase productivity. Ultimately, farming livestock comes down to farming forage. Cell-grazing on optimized soil allows for much higher stocking densities than would otherwise be possible; Polyface Farms stock about one cow per 1.5 acres, compared to one cow per 18 acres for extensive pastures.

	*[http://www.savoryinstitute.com/ The Savory Institute]		*[http://www.savoryinstitute.com/ The Savory Institute]
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	*[http://vimeo.com/8239427 Lecture by Allan Savory] - long but eye-opening.		*[http://vimeo.com/8239427 Lecture by Allan Savory] - long but eye-opening.
	*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mftwXBAwnBU What mob-grazing looks like]		*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mftwXBAwnBU What mob-grazing looks like]
			*A YouTube serach for 'Polyface Farms' or 'Joel Salatin' yields a lot more information. They believe in transparency and in disseminating as much information as possible about their farming methods to the public.

	==Silvopasture==		==Silvopasture==