Managing stocking rates is one of the biggest levers for healthy pastures and profitable livestock production. Across Australia, seasonal rainfall and feed variation make it critical to match livestock numbers with available pasture.
Many mixed sheep–beef producers ask: “How many AE per hectare can I run?”
Mobble’s Adult Equivalent (AE) Calculator makes that simple. It helps Australian farmers estimate total feed demand, compare stock classes, and plan stocking rates that support sustainable, productive grazing.
The result shows total AE and AE/ha, helping you understand how your stocking rate aligns with available pasture.
👉 Try it yourself below:
An Adult Equivalent (AE) represents the feed demand of a 450 kg steer at maintenance — essentially, the baseline unit for comparing other livestock classes.
Each animal type and class (like ewes with lambs or heifers) is assigned an AE value based on its relative feed requirement.
By converting all livestock into AE, you can easily compare and combine stock classes across your farm.
For example:
Across different rainfall zones and pasture types, AE provides a common language for feed demand. It’s widely used in northern and mixed grazing regions, complementing the DSE system common in southern Australia.
Using AE helps you:
By understanding AE, farmers can balance profitability and pasture health — a cornerstone of productive, regenerative agriculture.
Let’s say you’re running:
That’s 80 AE total.
If your property is 200 ha, that’s 0.4 AE/ha — a moderate stocking rate depending on rainfall and pasture type.
Q: How many AE per hectare should I run?
It depends on your region, rainfall, pasture species and management. AE provides a guide to compare feed demand — not a fixed number. Always adjust for seasonal conditions.
Q: What’s the difference between AE and DSE?
AE (Adult Equivalent) is the standard for northern and mixed cattle–sheep systems. DSE (Dry Sheep Equivalent) is more common in southern regions. Both measure feed demand — 1 AE is roughly equal to 7–8 DSE.
Q: Is AE used nationwide?
AE is most common in Queensland, NSW, and NT. It’s recognised across research and industry for mixed and cattle systems.
Q: How does AE relate to feed demand?
AE represents maintenance feed demand — enough energy to keep a 450 kg steer in steady condition. Higher stocking rates or growing animals require more feed per AE.
Mobble goes beyond calculators. It’s simple, practical software that helps you:
Mobble gives you the tools to make confident decisions that support healthier country and more productive livestock.