Rotational grazing has become a well established method for feeding animals on Wisconsin dairy farms. Currently over 20% of Wisconsin dairy farmers use rotational grazing for feeding animals during the growing season. (Ostrom, 2000) Milk production on dairy farms utilizing rotational grazing is typically lower than that from conventional farms. Kriegl has shown 5000 lb/cow less milk from rotationally grazed cows (Kriegl, 2005). This is in part related to less feed intake and also to smaller cow size compared to conventional farms. The same study has shown increased profit per cow and per cwt on grazing farms.

Manure production estimates are an important part of nutrient management planning. Estimates for cows in confinement range from 106 to 148 depending on cow size. Due to smaller size and lower feed intakes these estimates may not be accurate for grazing dairy cows. The current study began in 2003 to determine pasture intakes and manure production from dairy cows on pasture in an effort to develop more accurate nutrient management planning capabilities for these farms.