Pasture management strategies to offer optimal sward structures for maximizing intake rate in continuous stocking.

ABSTRACT.- Understanding herbivore interaction with forage resources is crucial for effective grazing management. This study investigates the impact of sward management strategies on the foraging behavior of sheep under continuous stocking. Italian ryegrass pastures were maintained at an average sward height of 15 cm, which has been reported to be optimal for animal performance. The objective was to assess whether sheep modify their grazing behavior in response to different interventions to maintain the target sward height.