3 Fig. 3.1 shows a pasture area divided into four paddocks, labelled W, X, Y and Z, for rotational grazing. Cattle are currently grazing in Paddock W. Paddo...

Labelled answer diagram:

(a) Rotational grazing is a pasture management system where livestock are moved between different paddocks or sections of pasture in a planned sequence [1]. Each paddock is grazed for a set period and then rested to allow the grass to regrow before the animals return [1].

(b) The cattle should be moved next to Paddock X (or Paddock Y) [1], because the grass in those paddocks has regrown and is ready for grazing, providing sufficient forage for the cattle [1]. Paddock Z has been recently grazed and shows only short grass, so it needs more recovery time.

(c) Two benefits of rotational grazing compared to continuous grazing:

1. The pasture has time to recover and regrow between grazing periods [1]. This maintains healthy grass cover and increases total forage production over the year, whereas continuous grazing exhausts the pasture without rest [1].
2. Rotational grazing helps to break parasite life cycles [1]. Moving animals away from contaminated paddocks means larvae deposited in dung do not re-infect the same animals, reducing the worm burden and improving animal health [1].

Other acceptable benefits: reduces the risk of overgrazing (animals are moved before grass is grazed too short, preventing bare soil and erosion); ensures more even use of the whole pasture area.

(d) If all four paddocks become overgrazed, the farmer should:

1. Reduce the number of animals (lower the stocking rate) so the remaining pasture is not under excessive pressure [1].
2. Provide supplementary feed such as hay or silage to meet the animals' nutritional needs while the paddocks recover [1].

Other acceptable responses: rest all paddocks and move animals to an alternative holding area, or reseed and fertilise the paddocks to speed up grass recovery.