At what age do stocker cattle generally begin their grazing phase?

Stocker cattle generally begin their grazing phase between the ages of 2 to 8 months. At this stage, they are typically weaned from their mothers and ready to enter a pasture-based feeding system where they can graze on grass or forage. This period is crucial for their development as they grow and gain weight prior to being transitioned into feedlots or finishing stages.

During this grazing phase, cattle benefit from the nutrients available in pasture, which supports their growth rates and overall health. The age range of 2 to 8 months optimally aligns with their developmental needs, allowing them to adapt to grazing and maximize their natural foraging behaviors.

The other age ranges provided do not capture the typical timeframe for stocker cattle entering their grazing phase, as less than 2 months is usually too early for weaning and proper grazing. Ages 6-12 months and 12-18 months extend beyond the initial grazing phase and focus more on finishing and growing, rather than the transition into grazing that occurs earlier.