Multispecies grazing can be used as a tool to accomplish specific grazing management goals.  Using two species of animals to graze a pasture can diversify the type of forage utilized, the topographic location of preferred grazing areas, and can also diversify income sources on the operation.  The most commonly used species in multispecies grazing systems are cattle and sheep or goats.  These species are commonly used because of their forage preferences. Cattle prefer to graze grasses while sheep prefer forbs and goats prefer brush and shrubs.  Depending on a producer's grazing management goals, these species can be used to utilize more of a pastures' forage production and can be used to control undesirable species within the area. 

A common use for multispecies grazing systems is to control the infestation of leafy spurge within a pasture by grazing with sheep.  Cattle do not consume leafy spurge, so without intervention, a pasture grazed only by cattle can be taken over by leafy spurge.  Sheep will graze leafy spurge, which in turn can increase the carrying capacity of the pasture for cattle grazing.  Grazing leafy spurge allows for the growth of grass species, which are preferred by cattle.  

Another benefit of multispecies grazing systems is the different tolerances of species to graze different areas of the pasture. Sheep and goats will graze at higher elevations than cattle, utilizing more of the forage available.  If the system involves large variances in the topographic landscape, a multispecies system can be beneficial in utilizing some of the underused areas of the pasture.

Often brush covered or woody areas of the pasture are also underutilized. Goats may be useful in fighting encroachment of woody species into a grassland, as this is their preferred food.

Diversifying the operation's income is another benefit of these grazing systems. The production of beef plus the production of mutton or lamb can be profitable for the producer.  Other markets involving goats could also be tapped, possibly the production of goat's milk.  The point of diversifying is to create more stability in income by marketing different species or their products. 

 

The benefits of a multispecies grazing system can be very useful to a producer, but management is very important to ensure that overgrazing does not occur.  The risk of overgrazing the pasture can be greater in these systems as more of the species of forage are being consumed. Cattle tend to overgraze localized areas of pasture, grazing their preferential forage.  With the introduction of another species, overgrazing can occur throughout the pasture as more species of forage are preferred and grazed.  Management to ensure that the pasture receives adequate rest for re-growth is essential.

 

Predation of stock can also be an issue when introducing sheep and lambs to an operation.  Methods to control predators must be put in place on the operation to ensure that large losses of livestock do not occur.

Overall, multispecies grazing can be useful tool when managed properly on an operation.  It is an option for producers looking to diversify their operation, control infestation of leafy spurge, or to optimize the grazing potential of their pastures.   

For more information regarding multispecies grazing systems you can contact:
 
Dustin Ostrander
Range Management Specialist
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
778 5042
 
Gord Schroeder
Executive Director
Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board
933 5582