Abstract:To promote more intensive grazing management in the northern steppes of China, rotational grazing systems used throughout the world were investigated and 10 principles summarized. This study found that the stocking rate is determined by yield per unit time, stage of heading indicates a starting time for spring grazing where pastures are not grazed in winter, the interval between successive grazings depends largely on the regeneration or recovery time, and the grazing duration reflects desired herbage removal and residual herbage mass. This study also found that the number and area of paddocks should facilitate desired livestock feeding behavior, optimize forage quality and nutrition, and ensure adequate water supply for livestock. The rotational grazing system should be environmentally friendly flexible, and easy to operate. A typical grazing management schedule for a representative farm in the northern China was designed, and the goals and criteria for rotational grazing management are discussed. Finally, this study recommends a new approach for sustainable intensive sheep farming.