Brachiaria pasture showing stages of deferred grazing.

Unlock Grazing Potential: How Deferred Pasture Management Boosts Forage Quality

Lena Voss in Climate & Environment December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Optimize your Brachiaria pastures with strategic deferment for better forage production and livestock nutrition."

In tropical climates, forage production fluctuates seasonally, posing challenges for livestock farmers. While this is a reality, strategic pasture management techniques can mitigate these effects. One such technique is deferment, which involves setting aside a specific pasture area and excluding it from grazing during late summer or fall. This allows for the accumulation of forage that can be grazed during periods of scarcity.

When using deferred grazing, deciding how long to keep the pasture deferred is crucial. This decision should consider the growth patterns of the forage plant within the specific environment. Understanding these patterns allows farmers to determine the optimal deferment periods, maximizing animal performance by providing high-quality forage.

This article explores the effects of deferment on the structure of Brachiaria pastures, focusing on tiller categories (vegetative, reproductive, and dead) and forage production. The goal is to identify the ideal deferment period for Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk pastures in the Viçosa region of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Optimizing Brachiaria Pastures: The Sweet Spot for Deferment

Brachiaria pasture showing stages of deferred grazing.

A study was conducted to evaluate the impact of different deferment periods (18, 46, 74, and 121 days) on Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk pastures. Researchers analyzed tiller population density, forage mass, and morphological components to determine the optimal deferment strategy.

Key findings revealed a reduction in the number of vegetative tillers during the deferment period. Longer deferment periods also led to increased stem mass and dead forage mass. However, the mass of green leaf blade remained relatively stable across the different deferment periods.

Vegetative Tillers: Decreased with longer deferment, as they transitioned into reproductive tillers.
Stem Mass: Increased with longer deferment as plants competed for light.
Dead Forage Mass: Initially decreased due to mineralization, then increased as leaves senesced.

The research suggests a deferment period of around 70 days for Brachiaria decumbens in the Viçosa region. This timeframe balances forage quantity and quality, ensuring sufficient forage production without compromising its nutritional value. Shorter deferment may improve forage quality, while longer periods increase overall biomass.

Balancing Forage Quantity and Quality: The Farmer's Choice

The optimal deferment period depends on the farmer's objectives. If the goal is to maximize animal performance, a shorter deferment period may be more suitable, leading to higher-quality forage. Conversely, if the aim is to support a larger number of animals (higher stocking rate), a longer deferment period might be necessary to accumulate sufficient biomass.

Another strategy is staggered deferment, where different areas of pasture are deferred at different times. This can provide a continuous supply of high-quality forage throughout the grazing season. More research is needed to validate the benefits of this approach.

Ultimately, the key to successful deferred grazing lies in finding the right balance between forage quantity and quality. By understanding the growth dynamics of Brachiaria pastures and tailoring deferment periods to specific objectives, farmers can optimize forage production and enhance livestock performance in tropical environments.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v32i2.7922, Alternate LINK

Title: Estrutura Do Capim-Braquiária Durante O Diferimento Da Pastagem

Subject: Animal Science and Zoology

Journal: Acta Scientiarum. Animal Sciences

Publisher: Universidade Estadual de Maringa

Authors: Manoel Eduardo Rozalino Santos, Dilermando Miranda Da Fonseca, Virgilio Mesquita Gomes, Eric Márcio Balbino, Marcela Azevedo Magalhães

Published: 2010-07-06

Everything You Need To Know

What is deferment and why is it important in pasture management?

Deferment is a pasture management technique where a specific area of the Brachiaria pasture is excluded from grazing. This allows the forage to accumulate and be used during periods of scarcity. It is significant because it mitigates seasonal fluctuations in forage production, common in tropical climates, ensuring a consistent feed supply for livestock. Implications include improved forage structure, increased biomass, and enhanced livestock nutrition, all crucial for successful farming practices.

What is the optimal deferment period for Brachiaria pastures?

The optimal deferment period refers to the ideal duration for which the Brachiaria pasture should be excluded from grazing. Determining this period is crucial because it directly impacts both the quantity and quality of the forage available. The best period maximizes animal performance by balancing forage production without compromising nutritional value. The study suggests that around 70 days is optimal for Brachiaria decumbens in the Viçosa region. Shorter periods may favor forage quality, while longer periods increase biomass.

How does deferment impact the structure of Brachiaria pastures?

The structure of Brachiaria pastures is significantly influenced by deferment, specifically affecting tiller categories. Vegetative tillers decrease during deferment as they transition to reproductive stages. Stem mass increases due to competition for light, and dead forage mass initially decreases from mineralization, then increases as leaves senesce. Understanding these changes helps farmers make informed decisions, aligning pasture management with their goals for animal performance and stocking rates.

What were the key findings of the research on Brachiaria pastures?

The key findings of the study on Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk pastures in the Viçosa region revealed the impact of deferment periods on various pasture components. The number of vegetative tillers reduced during the deferment period. Longer deferment increased stem mass and dead forage mass. Green leaf blade mass remained relatively stable across different deferment periods. These findings are critical for determining the best deferment strategy, balancing forage quantity and quality.

How does the farmer's objectives affect the best deferment strategy?

The farmer's objectives significantly influence the best deferment strategy. If the primary goal is to maximize animal performance, a shorter deferment period may be better because it often leads to higher-quality forage. Conversely, if the aim is to support a larger number of animals, a longer deferment period may be necessary to accumulate a sufficient amount of biomass. The choice hinges on balancing the needs of the livestock with the available resources, highlighting the importance of tailored pasture management.