Pastured Poultry Cooperative Extension Service Jacquie Jacob and Tony Pescatore, Animal and Food Sciences, and Ray Smith, Plant and Soil Sciences

University of Kentucky ID-247 College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Pastured Poultry Cooperative Extension Service Jacquie Jacob and Tony Pescatore, Animal and Food Sciences, and Ray Smith, Plant and Soil Sciences

here has been an increased interest in pasture-raising poultry for both meatT and egg production in the last decade. Raising poultry on pasture was a common occurrence until the latter half of the twentieth century. Fresh forage provided an important ration-balancing factor during the years before poultry nu- tritionists fully understood the required essential vitamins and minerals for growth and optimum meat and egg production. With balanced rations, poultry no longer require access to pasture, and year-round production of meat and eggs is possible; however, pasture provides Figure 1. Cross-section of a Cornish Cross (left) and Red Ranger (right) chicken carcasses benefits from the lush forage, invertebrates, and exercise that it provides. In addition, we continue to learn more and the first was the Red Ranger (also known the late 1800s. They are said to be good more about the positive influence that as Freedom Ranger or Rainbow Ranger, natured, making them suitable for small fresh grasses and legumes have on fatty depending on the hatchery). The Red flock production. The Narragansett -va acid profiles and general bird health. As Ranger has a much smaller breast yield riety is named for Narragansett Bay in a result, there is an increased interest than the Cornish Cross, despite the Rhode Island. It was developed from a in pasture-raised poultry for both meat longer growth period (see Figure 1). A cross between the Eastern Wild turkey and eggs. more recent introduction is the Hubbard and the domestic turkeys brought over Redbro chicken. Because of the slower by the early colonists. The Narragansett Breed Selection growth, the amount of feed required was the foundation of the early turkey Meat for each pound of gain is higher. While industry in New England. They are an Cornish Cross can be raised on pasture excellent variety for small flocks since A limited selection of breeds is avail- at 2 pounds of feed per pound of gain, it they have a calm disposition and are able for chicken meat production. Most may take 3 or 4 pounds of feed per pound good foragers. These heritage varieties chicken meat producers in the United of gain for the slower growing breeds. The will have a much smaller final carcass States are using the fast-growing Cor- Freedom Rangers and Redbro chickens and considerably less breast meat than nish Cross. This is a commercial meat are both well adapted for pasture pro- the commercial-type varieties but tend breed (referred to as a broiler) originally duction systems but have colored feath- to have more flavor and can bring a developed by crossing the large-breasted ers. The colored feathers make it harder premium price. For more information Cornish and the White Plymouth Rock to produce a clean appearing carcass. on selecting a turkey variety, refer to breeds. The Cornish cross can be grown Dark-feathered, slower-growing breeds publication UK extension publication to different sizes depending on the pur- are popular in Asian cuisine. Although Selecting Turkeys (ASC-197) available at pose. They can reach 4 to 5 pounds in 6 to the Australorp was developed as an egg- http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/ 8 weeks and 6 to 10 pounds in 12 weeks, producing breed in Australia, it is grown ASC/ASC197/ASC197.pdf. depending on the management condi- in parts of the United States as a meat tions, especially housing and nutrition. bird for sale in live-bird markets. Eggs Europe has several slow-growing For those raising turkeys, the commer- Chickens are the main poultry spe- meat-type chickens. They take about cial large white turkey is fast-growing and cies raised for table egg production. The 12 weeks to reach the same weight that the most feed efficient. They have been Leghorn chicken is the breed used in a Cornish Cross can obtain in 6 to 8 raised well on pasture systems. Some the commercial production of table eggs weeks. Because they are marketed at producers, however, have switched to in most of the United States. They are an older age, they are closer to sexual “heritage” turkey varieties. Two common prolific and highly efficient producers maturity than the typical Cornish Cross. alternative varieties include the Bourbon of white-shelled eggs. Leghorn-based As a result, they are said to have more Red and the Narragansett. The Bourbon breeds, however, tend to be flighty and flavor. Some of these breeds are being Red is named for Bourbon County, are not suitable for the pasture produc- imported into the United States. One of Kentucky, where they were developed in tion system without some intervention

Cooperative Extension Service | Agriculture and Natural Resources | Family and Consumer Sciences | 4-H Youth Development | Community and Economic Development for flight control (e.g. wing trimming). In the northeastern United States brown-shelled eggs are preferred over white- shelled. Breeding companies have developed commercial egg-producing strains specifically for this brown-shelled egg market. More recently, as the interest in free-range and pasture-raised system increases, breeding companies have been developing strains specific for these alternative systems. Small-scaled egg producers may find it difficult to get access to these new commercial varieties. Most hatcheries in the United States, however, have a sex-link cross available for chicken egg production purposes. Sex-linked crosses are produced using specific breeds or strains of chickens that, when crossed, make it possible to tell male and female chicks apart based on their physical appearance, often plumage color. This practice results in fewer cockerels in a laying flock due to sexing errors. While such crosses have relatively good egg production, their production does not reach the level of the Figure 2. Egg production commercial strains developed for alternative egg production systems. Another alternative is the use of dual purpose breeds such as New Hampshire, Plymouth Rock, and Rhode Island Red. These breeds do not produce eggs at the levels common with commercial strains and sex-linked crosses but may be more suitable for pastured systems (Figure 2). For more information on selecting chicken breeds, refer to the publication UK extension publication Selecting the Right Chicken Breed (ASC-190) available at Figure 3. Movable hoop pens used for pasture production http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/asc/ asc190/asc190.pdf. Housing Several poultry species are raised for meat or eggs. Production systems will be different depending on the species and final product raised. A variety of systems has been used for pasture-based production systems. To be truly pasture-raised, they need access to well-maintained pasture crops. It is difficult to maintain such pastures when the birds are confined in buildings with attached runs. The pasture vegetation is quickly denuded by the birds, especially the areas closest to the building. An alternative is to use a hub and Figure 4. Movable Salatin-style pens used for pasture production but which do not spoke system where paddocks surrounding allow for good ventilation of the birds a central building are grazed in a rotational sequence using different doors to the central building. For those truly pasture-raising, three production systems are available. The first includes the use of movable pasture pens (Figures 3 and 4). These enclosures can be used for chickens as well as turkey and are easily adapted to laying hens. The birds re- main confined in the bottomless pens and are moved on the pasture as required. The Figure 5. Day-ranging pens

2 use of hoop pens is popular because it is easier to enter the pens to access equip- ment and birds (Figure 3). Some have used the shorter pens made famous by Joel Salatin (Figure 4), but they result in reduced air flow in the pen and, with the sheet metal coverings, have resulted in overheating of the birds in many parts of the United States. Day ranging involves having the flock confined to specific areas and rotating the flocks regularly, whether that be per flock for meat birds or on a regular schedule for egg producers. The area is often denuded by the end of the flock and requires replanting before a new flock can be placed. True free-range systems have a centralized housing system, which may or may not be movable, and the birds are allowed to roam freely (Figure 6). Feeds and Feeding While on lush pastures, poultry have access to forage, insects, and worms. However, chickens are not ruminants; they cannot get as much nutrient content as would be expected with ruminant animals such as cattle, sheep, or goats. As a result, poultry cannot exist solely on what they can consume from pasture. For most operations, feeding a complete poultry feed is the best option. The feed given should be specific for the type of Figure 6. Centralized housing for a true free-range system birds being raised and their production level. Feeding diets to laying hens that were designed for meat birds will provide such feeding systems, but feed conversion depending on the region. The best pas- excess protein and insufficient calcium to ratios are improved and total costs are ture is also one that contains perennial support egg production. Similarly, feed- reduced. This practice is an option when species that come back year after year. ing layer diets to meat birds will provide using farm-raised feeds, and it reduces Incorporating legumes into grass excess calcium and insufficient protein. the cost of expensive organic feed. pastures provides the added advantage Pullet chicks destined for egg production of free nitrogen (from nitrogen fixation) do not need the high protein levels typi- Pasture Crop Selection and high protein levels. Legumes are cally found in meat bird–type diets. Several factors need to be considered also ideal for attracting insects to the Some producers have experimented with selecting pasture crops for poultry pastures. In Kentucky, the best adapted with choice feeding as an option for including how long the pasture will be perennial legumes are alfalfa, white pasture-raised meat chickens. Such sys- available, how well the crops tolerate clover, and red clover. White clover will tems are only possible after the initial grazing, the type of insects attracted to tolerate more frequent grazing periods brooding period. While on pasture the the pastures, the pasture soil-type, and but is not as productive. Alfalfa and chickens are offered a cereal (such as the other intended uses of the pasture red clover have high productivity, but cracked corn) and a protein concentrate forage. the pasture should be rested 25 to 30 containing additional vitamins and days between grazing periods. The best Pasture Availability minerals. The protein concentrate is adapted perennial cool season grasses usually made of materials such as roasted The ideal pasture for poultry is one in Kentucky are tall fescue, Kentucky soybeans, fishmeal, and a mineral and that provides forage for as much of the bluegrass, and orchardgrass. The tender vitamin premix. Live weight gains and year as possible. Certain forage species leaf structure of orchardgrass makes it carcass and breast weights are lower with have longer growing seasons than others, the most palatable to grazing animals,

3 but it thins rapidly under frequent and the central states of Virginia, Kentucky, important to provide at least 25 to 30 days close grazing. Tall fescue and Kentucky and Missouri, and northward where it of- before moving birds back onto the same bluegrass both tolerate grazing well, but ten occurs naturally in well managed pas- pasture that they have just grazed. Graz- bluegrass is lower yielding and only en- tures. Tall fescue and perennial ryegrass ing tolerant or so-called “traffic tolerant” dophyte free or novel endophyte varieties also show good tolerance to grazing, alfalfa varieties are recommended when of tall fescue should be planted. but the majority of naturally occurring planting stands for poultry grazing. As mentioned above, establishing tall fescue is the variety KY 31, and it is and maintaining thick stands of peren- infected with a toxic endophyte. An en- Able to Attract a Variety of nial forages is the preferred option for dophyte is a bacterium or fungus living Different Types of Insects pastured poultry, but often animal num- within a plant for at least part of its life An important benefit of pasturing bers are high and land area is limited. In without causing apparent disease. Some poultry are the invertebrates that they these cases, annual or short-lived forages fungal endophytes (like the one in KY consume while foraging. There is very provide a viable option. The ryegrasses, 31) are shown to improve plant growth limited research on the effect of pasture perennial and annual, are the most vigor- and increase their tolerance to stress, but type on the insect population attracted, ous cool season forages. Annual ryegrass the toxins they produce are detrimental other than the problems created when has the fastest emergence and growth to animals grazing on them. Most of certain insects damage the forage stand but usually dies out mid-summer. Peren- the research on endophytes and grazers itself. Preliminary research at the Univer- nial ryegrass is nearly as fast to emerge has dealt with ruminants (cattle, sheep, sity of Kentucky has shown that different as annual ryegrass and will survive for and goats). There is limited research on kinds of insects are attracted to grass two years under Kentucky conditions. the impact on poultry, but there is some pastures versus alfalfa pastures, though A mixture of annual and perennial evidence to show that laying hens con- in this particular study the numbers of ryegrass provides a good option for vig- suming tall fescue infected seeds (seeds insects trapped were low and not likely orous short term stands of nutritious have high levels of the toxin) are more to be of nutritional importance to forag- forages. Perennial ryegrass can have an likely to produce shell-less eggs. An endo- ing poultry. Further research is definitely endophyte similar to that in tall fescue phyte only grows within the plant tissue needed in this area. so chose only forage-type endophyte- so it is necessary to submit a sample to a free varieties. Crabgrass is usually con- laboratory to test for endophyte occur- Match Plants to Soils sidered a summer annual weed, but it is rence. In Kentucky endophyte testing is It is important to select pasture crops actually a highly nutritious forage. Either conducted by the Division of Regulatory that grow well in the soils that you have, an improved crabgrass variety can be Service on the UK campus (they also test as indicated in the UK extension publica- seeded or the soil can be lightly tilled to seed, soil, and animal feeds). Simply fol- tion Establishing Forage Crops (AGR-64) stimulate germination of crabgrass seed low the guidelines in the UK extension available at http://www2.ca.uky.edu/ in the soil. When using crabgrass, make publication Sampling for the Tall Fescue agcomm/pubs/agr/agr64/agr64.pdf. sure to allow it to “go to seed” every year Endophyte in Pasture or Hay Stands (PPA- According to the Forage Identification in the early fall, so that natural reseed- 30) available at http://www2.ca.uky.edu/ and Use Guide (AGR-175), “There is wide ing can occur. By allowing crabgrass to agc/pubs/ppa/ppa30/ppa30.pdf. variation in soil capabilities on almost naturally reestablish each summer and Fortunately, when KY31 tall fescue is every farm. Soils differ in their capacity then overseeding with annual and/or managed at a leafy stage (not seed heads), to supply water and nutrients, and they perennial ryegrass, high quality pastures the toxicity level is much lower. In addi- vary in slope, internal drainage, and other can be maintained on farms where high tion, all grass seed companies now sell factors that affect establishment, produc- stocking rate limits the ability to main- tall fescue varieties that are endophyte tion, and persistence of a given forage tain perennial forages. free or contain beneficial (novel) endo- crop. In addition, grasses, legumes, and phytes that do not produce toxins. Make grass-legume combinations vary widely Tolerance to Poultry Grazing sure to ask for these varieties when plant- in their ability to become established, One of the most important aspects ing tall fescue. Avoid turf-type tall fescue produce, and persist on different soils. It in choosing a forage species for poultry and turf-type perennial ryegrass because is important to match the plant species is how well it holds up to biting and they have been developed to have extra or mixture of species to the soils so that scratching. In other words, is the species high levels of toxins to reduce insect and the greatest returns can be realized and tolerant to grazing? Grazing tolerance re- grub damage. the soil is protected. The best use of level fers to the ability of the forage to recover The legume with the greatest toler- to gently sloping, deep, and well-drained from grazing and trampling. Plants that ance to grazing is white clover. Alfalfa land is to plant the highest-producing withstand grazing generally have a high and red clover are very productive le- crops such as alfalfa or alfalfa-grass mix- leaf to stem ratio and new root growth is gumes in terms of forage production but tures. Steeper land should be maintained initiated following defoliation. do not have the fibrous root system and in sod-forming or thicker grasses, such One of the perennial grasses most low growth habit of white clover so are as tall fescue, perennial ryegrass or Ken- tolerant to poultry grazing is Kentucky as resistance to grazing. When planting tucky bluegrass, to minimize soil erosion. bluegrass. This species is well adapted in alfalfa and red clover for poultry, it is very Alfalfa should only be used where soil is

4 at least two feet deep and well drained. Apply any needed fertilizer amend- are most easily established in the late On soils that are less than two feet deep ments. A current soil test will indicate summer and early fall. Seeding legumes or are poorly drained, clover-grass mix- the amount of lime, phosphorus, potas- works equally well in the spring and early tures or pure grass stands may be used. sium, and other nutrients (except for fall, but clover is most easily established Legumes, especially clovers, may be es- nitrogen) needed for the species to be through frost seeding in February. tablished in grass dominant sods through seeded. Legumes are especially sensitive Use the best seeding method available. renovation.” The Forage Identification to low nutrient and pH levels. Contact In general, planting into a convention- and Use Guide (AGR-175) is an excellent your county extension agent on how to ally tilled seedbed is more effective than guideline for the perennial forage species properly take a soil sample. For complete no-till seedings, especially when a culti- adapted to Kentucky and surrounding details on soil testing and the fertility re- packer or a modified roller is used to firm states and is available at http://www2. quirements for forage species, see Taking the seedbed before and after seeding. ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/agr/agr175/agr175. Soil Test Samples (AGR-16) available at No-till seeding is preferred on sloping htm. http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/ land and when seeding into pastures agr/agr16/agr16.pdf and When to Apply without disturbing the existing soil. A Match Plants to the Intended Use Lime and Fertilizer (AGR-5) available at common, but less accurate method is Similarly, it is important to match http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/ to disk or harrow or otherwise disturb pasture crops to the intended use. If the agr/agr5/agr5.pdf. the soil and then broadcast the forage pasture is to be used for other purposes Use a high-quality seed of an improved seed with a spinner type seeder or even besides grazing poultry, plan for maxi- variety. Many varieties of commonly by hand. With this method, a roller or mum quality and versatility in the forage established grasses and legumes, such cultipacker is recommended after seed- program. As discussed in Establishing as Kentucky bluegrass, orchardgrass, tall ing to achieve good soil-to-seed contact. Forage Crops (AGR-64), “Select plants fescue, ryegrasses, clover and alfalfa, are If a roller is not available, then drag the that produce high-quality feed, and use available for pasture in Kentucky. It is pasture with a heavy board or chain or each field for hay, silage, and/or pasture as recommended to seed varieties that have even a piece of chain link fence with weather and feed needs dictate. Legumes been proven to be the top performers weights on top. For small areas, forage generally produce higher quality feed under Kentucky conditions. University seed can even be raked into the soil with a than grasses. Taller-growing legumes, forage yield trials from Kentucky or sur- garden rake, covered with straw to retain such as alfalfa and red clover, are more rounding states are excellent sources moisture, and then irrigated with a lawn versatile than a legume such as white of this information (http://www.uky. sprinkler. All three methods (till, no-till, clover, which is used primarily for graz- edu/Ag/Forage/ForageVarietyTrials2. broadcast) can be successful if the seed ing. Grasses such as orchardgrass, peren- htm). The University of Kentucky testing is placed in firm contact with moist soil nial ryegrass, tall fescue, and timothy are program also evaluates the survival of at a depth from which the seedling can higher yielding than Kentucky bluegrass different forage varieties under grazing. emerge. The forage crops listed in Table for hay and silage” (http://www2.ca.uky. High quality seed has high rates of ger- 1 should never be seeded deeper than edu/agcomm/pubs/agr/agr64/agr64.pdf). mination and is free of contamination one-quarter to one-half inch. from seed of other crops or weeds. Look Frost seeding refers to the practice of Pasture Management for this information on the seed tag and casting seed on top of the ground during Forage Establishment remember that a blue certified seed tag winter and relying on the freeze/thaw is a guarantee of seed quality and purity. cycle of late winter to work the seed into Successful pasture poultry production Plant enough seed at the right time. the soil. Frost seeding is recommended requires careful planning and detailed at- Seeding rates are affected most by the only for clover seed sown onto very tention to establishment, production, and forage species being established (Table closely grazed or clipped sod during late utilization of forage crops. As discussed 1). When sowing a mixture, less seed January or February. Seeding grasses via in Establishing Forage Crops (AGR-64), of each component is used than when frost seeding is not recommended, since “Establishment of a good stand is es- sown alone. The seeding rates in Table 1 the success rate for grasses varies greatly sential for a successful forage program. show a range from the minimum amount depending on environmental conditions. Several steps are of vital importance needed to a higher rate that will provide The only exception is annual ryegrass, in the establishment and maintenance a better guarantee for a thick stand. For which will often germinate and establish of good forage stands. It is difficult to a full listing of forage species and seed- even when broadcast on the soil surface. predict the probability of success in es- ing rates and dates, see Grain and Forage Control competition. When overseeding tablishing forages when so much depends Crop Guide for Kentucky (ARG-18) avail- into existing pastures without tearing up on weather. The steps outlined below do able at http://www.uky.edu/Ag/Forage/ soil, mow or graze close before seeding not guarantee success, but if followed, AGR%2018%20BookletFinal%20Revi- to reduce existing vegetation. Many new they can increase the probability of sions1.pdf. Grasses and legumes can be seedings fail due to competition from obtaining thick, vigorous forage stands” seeded in either spring or fall. However, weeds and the existing grasses. Herbi- (http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/ cool-season grasses (Kentucky bluegrass, cides can be used to control weeds when agr/agr64/agr64.pdf). orchardgrass, tall fescue, and ryegrasses) no-till seeding. Always read and follow

5 Table 1. Common seeding rates and optimum seeding dates for forage species used in the late summer fall before seeding. Al- poultry pastures ternatively, a summer annual grass can be Seeded alone In mixtures Optimum Species (lb/A) (lb/A) seeding dates grown on the field during the summer as Tall fescue 20 – 40 10 - 20 Aug 20 - Oct 1 a transition crop. Orchardgrass 15-30 10 - 15 Generally, avoid spring seeding of Kentucky bluegrass 15 - 30 10 - 15 Aug 15 - Sept 15 cool-season grasses. Planting at this time Perennial ryegrass 20 - 40 5 – 15a Aug 15 - Oct 1 can be successful if there is adequate Annual ryegrass 20 - 50 5 – 15a Aug 15 - Oct 15 moisture and mild temperatures during Mar 1 - Apr 1 the summer, but the failure rate is greater White clover 3 - 5 1 – 3 Feb 1 - Mar 1 than fall seedings. If seeding in the spring (if frost seedingb) in Kentucky, especially cool season Red clover 8-12 6 – 8 Mar 1 - Apr 1 grasses, plant early (early to mid-March) Aug 15 - Sept 15 to increase the chance for success. Alfalfa 15 - 25 10 – 15 Mar 15 - May 1 When choosing a grass for pasture Aug 1 - Sept 5 in Kentucky and surrounding states, a Never seed perennial or annual ryegrass more than 25% of a seeding mixture. Ideally, only 10 to 15% remember that pasture grasses differ of these grasses is needed to provide quick cover without outcompeting the desirable long-term perennial grasses. in their tolerance to close grazing and b Winter seeding of clovers, often called frost seeding, can be made on closely grazed or mowed traffic. Kentucky bluegrass and bermu- pastures in late January or February. dagrass form tight surfaces and are the most tolerant of close grazing and traf- label directions. For example, most her- to keep animals off the pasture while the fic. Orchardgrass is the least tolerant, bicides have a waiting period after spray- grass is becoming established, consider and tall fescue is intermediate between ing and before seeding. The University splitting the field and seeding half the orchardgrass and Kentucky bluegrass of Kentucky has a publication on grass field at a time to allow time for proper or bermudagrass. (Note: Kentucky blue- pasture weed control called Broadleaf establishment. grass is adapted for central, eastern, and Weeds of Kentucky Pastures (ARG-207) northern Kentucky, but less adapted to available at http://www2.ca.uky.edu/ Specific Seeding Situations southern and western Kentucky). agcomm/pubs/AGR/AGR207/AGR207. When re-establishing grasses alone, Pasture Rotation pdf. Broadleaf weeds can be controlled the best method is to till the field in late with herbicides on newly established July or early August. Make a fine, firm As previously indicated, chickens stands only after the forage seedings seedbed and seed in late August or early cannot digest the fiber in forage like are well established (4 to 5 inches tall). September. Seed may be planted into ruminant animals (i.e. cows, sheep and Otherwise, herbicide damage to the new a tilled seedbed using a Brillion seeder goats). If properly managed, however, seedlings is possible. Mowing is effective or it can be broadcast and cultipacked. poultry can gain important nutrients on erect, upright weeds taller than the If seedbed firmness is in question, roll from the forages they consume. It is seedling grasses, but low growing weeds, with a cultipacker before and after seed- important that the pastures are rotated such as dandelions and plantain, are not ing. Make sure that the grass seed is not on a regular basis so that the birds have effectively controlled by mowing. Some planted deeper than one-quarter to one- access to fresh, lush growth. If the forage weeds, such as dandelions and henbit, half inch deep. No-till seed drills are also growth is over mature, poultry will get are very nutritious for chickens. Their a good option when seeding into existing limited nutrition from the grass because limitation is that they do not produce as sod, but a limitation to most no-till seed of the thick, indigestible cell wall that much vegetation as the above-mentioned drills is that they can easily place seed occurs with older growth. For example, grasses and legumes. over 1 inch deep unless carefully ad- laying hens on pasture will eat very little Allow the immature seedlings to become justed. Plant seeds at the recommended mature Kentucky bluegrass, but will established before putting the pasture back rate shown in Table 1. consume new growth. Early studies into full use. It can take six months to If the goal is to kill the existing pasture showed that young succulent spring KY a year for a perennial grass pasture to and replace it with another grass without bluegrass pastures reduced consump- develop a strong, resilient sod. Overgraz- tillage, use multiple applications of a tion of a complete feed by 20%, but with ing newly seeded areas is a major cause broad-spectrum herbicide containing mature pastures chickens were not able of seeding failures. A few brief grazing glyphosate (Roundup or other glyphosate gain any nutrition from the forage. The sessions can be tolerated. It is best to containing product). For example, use only benefit of mature forage growth is allow the new grass seedlings to mature the pasture in the early spring and then that it can harbor insects and poultry before gradually returning the field to suppress the existing grass with herbicide can consume the seeds (Note: KY31 tall full pasture use. When it is not possible in the late spring/early summer, followed fescue seed is harmful to poultry because by a second or even third application in it can contain high levels of toxins).

6 Poultry are not able to manage a Keeping good written records will For more information on pasture pasture by themselves. Development facilitate proper management and deci- management in general, refer to the of an effective forage program requires sion-making with regards to maintaining publication AGR-64, Establishing Forage time and thought. The key to effective pasture. The important things to control Crops (AGR-64) and Establishing Horse pasture management is to coordinate and record include: Pastures (ID-147) available at http:// forage quality with the nutritional needs • Timing: When the pastures are used www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/id/ of grazing animals. A multi-species graz- for grazing id147/id147.pdf. ing program, especially integration with • Frequency: How often the pastures will ruminant animals, allows for maximum be grazed or mowed In Conclusion utilization of pastures without the need • Intensity: How much forage will be Pastured poultry production will to mow pastures. Pastures that have been removed likely increase in coming years. Manag- allowed to become over mature should • Stocking rate and type of livestock to ing and replanting pastures will improve be mowed or grazed by other animals to allow to graze productivity, nutrient recycling, and ani- help recondition the grasses and legumes mal health. Follow the simple guidelines to a more palatable state for poultry. in this publication to be successful with pasture poultry production.

Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Nancy M. Cox, Director, Land Grant Programs, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Lexington, and Kentucky State University, Frankfort. Copy- right © 2017 for materials developed by University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension. This publication may be reproduced in portions or its entirety for educational or nonprofit purposes only. Permitted users shall give credit to the author(s) and include this copyright notice. Publications are also available on the World Wide Web at www.ca.uky.edu. Issued 8-2017