The effect of cattle grazing on the growth and miserotoxin content of Columbia milkvetch
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Authors: D. A. Quinton, W. Majak, and J. W. Hall
Date: 1989
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 42
Number: 5
Pages: 368-371
Summary of Methods: Growth and miserotoxin content of Columbia milkvetch following early season cattle grazing were measured. Cow/calf pairs grazed Columbia milkvetch infested rangeland near Lac du bois, British Columbia in early may. Grazing behavior was observed at 0600, 1200, and 2000 h using the bite count technique, with each cow followed for a minimum of 700 bites per grazing time. Effects of grazing on Columbia milkvetch were measured on 120 plants within the grazed area and 140 plants outside the grazed area. Basal area and height were measured before grazing began.
Article Summary / Main Points: • Cattle tended to avoid Columbia milkvetch though as the availability of more desirable forages decreased consumption of Columbia milkvetch increased. • Plants grazed early in the season had significantly less dry matter (50%) and miserotoxin levels declined by more than 76% after grazing.
Vegetation Types: Not Applicable
MLRA Ecoregions: Not Applicable
Agrovoc Control Words: Weeds Rangelands Grazing
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: astragalus miser, toxic plants, weed growth, weed biomass, weed utilization, grazing management, targeted grazing
Annotation: Heavy grazing intensity by cattle may result in lower vigor of native species ultimately leading to more weeds on the site.
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