Chapter I Introduction

1.1 Background Farming system had been known in humanity long time ago before the century. Since then, humans developed their farming systems to get better results, more profits and less costs. One of the systems is paddock system. It is unclear when the paddock system was invented or who the inventor of the system itself was. Theres slight different between paddock system and grazing system. In paddock system, farmer need to put some fences either to protect the ruminants from wild animals or to make it easier for the farmer to herd the animals which is it not needed in grazing system. Some animals are suitable for the paddock system such as chook, dairy cattle, and dairy goats. The condition of paddock system is quite similar to the animals origin habitant, thus they become more relaxed and less stress pressure that will produce high quality of product. 1.2 Contents 1. 2. 3. 4. Paddock grazing system Managing paddock system How to decide paddock size Kind of fences that should be installed

1.3 Quests 1. What is paddock? 2. How paddock system affects the farm animals?

1.4 Purpose 1. Understanding paddock system and the function 2. Knowing the effect of using paddock grazing system on animals products

Chapter II Contents
2.1 Paddock grazing system Paddock is one of grazing system allowing the animals grazing by itself in certain area. The system itself had been used long time ago, spreading across the world, even farmers these days still using the system for the advantages that it can gives. The animals will fulfill their own needs and they wont have lack of fibers problem for they can graze by themselves. Paddock grazing system sometimes called rotational grazing systems. When the grass in the paddock is no longer available, the farmer would take the animals to different area to graze until the grass in the paddock grew back. The reason is to let the soil in the paddock rest and regenerate naturally, so it can provide minerals for the grass to grow. 2.2Managing your paddock system
Grazing area required The first thing thats important grassland efficiency target is to have your grazing area. This is necessary to prepare the paddock system. It is critical to setup the area in a wedge to avoid having too much of the area at the optimal stage for grazing all at the same time. The optimum grazing stocking rate for this period is influenced by a number of factors including stage of lactation, meal feeding and the grass growth potential. However 5 cows per ha (2 cows per acre) is a good target, and will suit many farm situations. This means that a 100 cow herd requires 20 ha or 50 acres. Flexible system or fixed paddocks Fresh grass can be offered using a flexible strip grazing system or using fixed paddocks. A potential advantage of the fixed paddock setup is that surpluses and shortages become apparent very quickly. When strip grazing there can be a tendency to simply get longer as a progressively smaller area is offered daily and more grass accumulates ahead of the cows. This accumulation of grass will be of poorer quality, and will have a negative effect on animal and sward performance at subsequent grazing. Once the grass cover becomes too heavy remove the surplus grass immediately as big bale silage. In addition, a back fence should be used when strip grazing large fields to prevent the cows grazing the regrowth. Fresh grass can be offered once or twice daily, with the preference in the 24 hour setup to provide the fresh grass after the evening milking. There are no clear advantages in providing fresh grass after every milking in good grazing conditions Required paddocks

The number of paddocks needed in a grazing system is equal to the number of days that a paddock will be rested, divided by the number of days it will be grazed, plus one paddock for the animals to be grazing while the other paddocks are resting. This is written as the equation:

paddocks = (days rested/days grazed) + 1 Most grazing livestock consume about 2.5% of their body weight in pasture dry matter every day. Dairy cattle require more feed, which is often provided as supplemental. So, we need to know how many amount of grass that a paddock can provide for fulfill the cattle requirement. From the equation below we can count it: Acres = (DM/hd/day x hd x d) /(DM/a) Dry Matter (DM) eaten per head per day (DM/hd/day) Hd for how many cattle store in the paddock D for the days they were put on paddock DM/a for dry matter available per arce Estimates made using these equations will provide realistic paddock numbers and size. Experience, common sense, and proper pasture and livestock management will allow livestock producers to make the most from developed grazing systems.

2.3 How to decide paddock size Paddock size is based upon providing adequate supply of available forage to meet the requirements of the herd. This would be a simple task if the forages grew at the same rate throughout the season. We know this is not the case. For example, cool season grass growth is very rapid in the spring, slows considerably during the hot summer months of July and August, and increases somewhat again in the fall. Clearly, for a given herd the area required to produce the necessary forage for the planned grazing period will not be the same throughout the grazing season. The strategy for dealing with this variability is this: Plan using average growing conditions. Vary the length of the grazing period throughout the grazing season when paddock size is fixed. Vary the size of the paddock when the size is not fixed, as in a strip grazing system.

2.4 What kind of fences should be installed? The kind of fence that should be installed depends upon: Purpose of the fence Kind and class of livestock to be contained Operator preference Predator control Cost Permanent or temporary fences may define paddocks within the grazing unit. During initial stages of paddock layout many producers prefer to use temporary fences to create paddocks and lanes. This allows for easy adjustment of the layout as producers learn what size paddock they need, how to easily accomplish livestock movement, and how forages react to managed grazing. After gaining experience, the producers usually install some type of permanent fence to define paddocks and lanes.

A. Permanent Fences: Permanent fences are used for the perimeters of pasture systems, livestock corrals, and handling facilities. Sometimes they are used to subdivide pastures into paddocks. This is especially true for certain kinds and classes of livestock, such as bison.

1. High Tensile Wire Fences This is a relatively new type of fence, which has become increasingly popular in recent years. Typically perimeter fences are 4-6 strands of wire and interior fences are 1-2 strands of wire. Advantages: Relatively easy to install and maintain. Can be powered to provide a psychological as well as physical barrier. Several contractors available to do installation.
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Disadvantages: Requires some special equipment, such as a post driver for installing wooden posts. Fences with several strands of wire are not easily moved. Wire is difficult to handle if fence is to be moved.

2. Woven Wire Fences Woven wire is a traditional type of fence. It is used primarily for hogs and sheep. Woven wire fences normally have one or two strands of barbed wire installed above the woven wire. Advantages: Not dependent on electrical power. Is useful in remote locations. Provides barrier for smaller kinds of livestock (sheep, hogs). Disadvantages: Cannot be powered, provides only a physical barrier. Requires much labor to install. Not easily moved. Weed and vegetative growth promotes snow piling.

3. Barbed Wire Fences Barbed wire is a traditional type of fence, which is still quite popular. Barbed wire fences should be at least 4 strands for perimeter fences. When used for interior fences, they are typically 3 or 4 strands. Barbed wire should never be electrified because of greater potential for animal injury. Advantages: Not dependent upon electrical power, thus is useful in remote areas. Most producers are experienced with construction of barbed wire fences.
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Disadvantages: Not easily moved. Provides only a physical barrier. Susceptible to damage from snow accumulation.

B. Temporary Fences: Temporary fences are usually constructed with step-in posts and polywire, polytape, light gauge steel or aluminum wire, and require an electrical source. Easy and quick to move, these fences do not require tools for setup. In addition, these fences are very light and do not require bracing. The primary uses of temporary fence are to define paddocks within a pasture system, direct the grazing within a paddock to areas that are being underutilized, and to fence in areas that are grazed only occasionally or not part of a regularly-rotated pasture system.

Chapter III Discussion

3.1 What is paddock? As been explained before, paddock is one of grazing system that allows the animals to graze in a special area. Paddock as we know is a small enclosure or field grass surrounded by fences to keep the farm animals. The areas are wide enough for the animals to move and exercise. Paddock grazing systems are sometime called rotational grazing systems. The function is to let the paddock to rest and allowed to regenerate naturally, so the soil can provide enough mineral for grass to grow. To make a paddock, the purpose of making the paddock must be clear, and arrange the paddock condition to meet the animals comfort. Paddock grazing system can also affect on the animals product itself. The environment can affect animals behavior and the product quality. So, we have to make sure to maintain the animal needs and the environment. 3.2 What side effects of the product of farm animal can give? The environment can give direct effect on animal behavior itself. Being careful on handling animals is one of the veterinarian jobs. The effect of using paddock grazing system for dairy cattle, the number of days on a paddock should be decreased to meet animals nutrition needs. As a pasture is grazed, forage intake and nutritive quality decrease. For dairy cattle, this results in lower milk production after three days on a seven day rotational system. One-day grazing stays are used by dairy producers first trying intensive rotational grazing. Many farmers go to a 12-hour stay since this provides more uniform nutrition from the pasture and requires little extra labor when using temporary fencing within permanent paddocks.

Conclusion
Paddock system is good to keep the ruminants safe from harms and making it easier to keep an eye on the animals. The problem is, the farmer have to feed the animals cause the lack of the fresh grass and the freedom of the animals to get its own food. Nowadays paddock system become easier. People invented mobile fences and called the new paddock system Paradise Paddock. The fences are easy to install and people can make paddock everywhere along the grassy area. The con is, the fences are not strong enough, making the ruminants vulnerable from the wild animals such like bears, wolves, etc. Either way it depends on what kind of paddock systems the farmers choose thats suitable for the animals and the environment. Each way has its own pros and cons.