Work out sheep stocking rate instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Stocking is expressed in dry sheep equivalents: one DSE is a 45-50 kg dry sheep at maintenance. Pasture area times DSE per hectare gives total capacity, and dividing by the DSE rating of your class of sheep — a twin-bearing ewe is 2.0-2.5 DSE — gives the number carried.
Stocking rate
Total DSE = area x DSE per ha; sheep = total DSE / DSE per head
A dry ewe, a lactating ewe with twins and a growing lamb eat very differently. DSE puts them on a common energy basis so stocking rate means something.
Match the feed curve. Setting stocking to peak spring growth guarantees a deficit in the dry season, so either destock, conserve fodder or plan supplementary feeding.