The principles of this kind of system are the following:
A higher input level of management is required than with the extensive system but lower management than with intensive feeding systems.
The animal’s nutritional needs are met by a 50/50 ratio between free grazing and feeding supplied by management. Normally the animal takes in enough roughage when browsing or grazing and the concentrate part of its diet is supplied as an additional feed. In the case of semi-intensive systems, the grazing can differ from natural veldt to irrigated crops.
This type of feeding system is used in many production systems in South Africa.