Stocking rate is defined as the number of animals on a given amount of land over a certain period of time. Stocking rate is a critical determinant of ranch profitability. Carrying capacity is the stocking rate that is sustainable over time per unit of land area.

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Other important factors include the following;

 

• Animal frame size: smaller frame cattle tend to be in a better body condition, but the idea is to be short and stout. All this is a function of the cow's intake relative to its size. Smaller frame cattle have an unfair advantage over their larger counterparts.

• Larger cow frame size: The larger cow has a larger frame but a smaller metabolic size.

•  Smaller sized cattle: have less of their energy going towards their height and the rest of it going to their weight. Other aspects are the animal's frame size and fertility.