Complete reference for converting livestock types to standard animal units (AU) for stocking rate calculations in Texas.
An animal unit (AU) is the standard measurement used by Texas county appraisal districts to evaluate livestock stocking rates. One animal unit is defined as one mature cow of approximately 1,000 pounds. All other livestock types are converted to AU equivalents based on their forage consumption relative to a mature cow.
Cattle: Mature cow = 1.0 AU. Cow-calf pair = 1.0 AU. Mature bull = 1.25 AU. Yearling (stocker) = 0.7 AU. Weaned calf = 0.5 AU.
Horses: Mature horse = 1.25 AU. Yearling horse = 0.75 AU. Miniature horse = 0.5 AU.
Sheep & Goats: 5 mature sheep = 1.0 AU. 5 mature goats = 1.0 AU. 7 lambs/kids = 1.0 AU.
Exotic Livestock: 5 axis deer = 1.0 AU. 2 nilgai = 1.0 AU. 6 blackbuck antelope = 1.0 AU. 3 emus = 1.0 AU. 3 ostriches = 1.0 AU.
Other: 1 donkey/mule = 1.0 AU. 1 llama/alpaca = 0.5 AU. 4 hogs = 1.0 AU.
To calculate your stocking rate, convert all livestock to animal units using the equivalents above, then divide your total qualifying acreage by the total animal units. For example, a 100-acre property with 15 cow-calf pairs (15 AU) and 10 goats (2 AU) has 17 total AU, giving a stocking rate of 1 AU per 5.9 acres (100 ÷ 17 = 5.9). If your county's minimum is 1 AU per 8 acres for native pasture, you're well above the standard.
These are general guidelines. Your county appraisal district may use slightly different equivalents. Always verify the specific AU equivalents your CAD uses when calculating your stocking rate. LandComply maintains county-specific AU tables and automatically calculates your stocking rate using your county's values.
Many Texas operations run multiple livestock types on the same property. LandComply handles mixed-species operations by tracking each species separately, converting to animal units using your county's specific equivalents, and displaying your total AU and stocking rate on your compliance dashboard. When your herd composition changes — selling cattle, adding goats, losing animals — your compliance score updates automatically.
Stop worrying about whether your documentation is complete. LandComply tracks your activities year-round and tells you exactly where you stand.
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