In this review of European literature and unpublished data, aspects of herbage production and the sward (including management systems and chemical composition), animal production (including grazing severity, dairy and beef cattle and grazing behaviour) and farm management considerations are discussed. There was shown to be a benefit of only 1.5% for dairy cows and 6% for beef cattle in rotational grazing compared with continuous grazing. Herbage intake and animal production close to the potential max. could be achieved on rotationally grazed swards where a stubble of 8-10 cm was left after grazing and on continuously grazed swards at a mean grass ht. of 7 cm. Labour input under continuous grazing was considerably less than for rotational grazing but required considerable management skills if pasture and animal were to be maintained in equilibrium.