Plan for pasture rotation if space allows

Divide outdoor areas into two or more sections separated by fencing and rotate animals between them every 3-4 weeks. This allows vegetation to regrow and breaks parasite lifecycles as larvae deposited in manure die off without a host during the rest period.

Why It Works

Continuous grazing on the same ground leads to bare soil, parasite accumulation, and poor forage quality. A 3-4 week rotation period is effective because most livestock parasite larvae take 2-3 weeks to become infective in the soil. Rotating before that window closes dramatically reduces parasite loads, especially for goats.

Tips

• Even two paddocks with alternating use is far better than no rotation
• Portable electric netting makes rotation practical for chickens and goats without permanent fencing
• Mow rested paddocks to expose parasite larvae to UV light, which kills them faster