Consequences of selecting rambouillet ewes for mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata spp. vaseyana) dietary preference
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Authors: S. S. Seefeldt
Date: 2005
Journal: Rangeland Ecology & Management
Volume: 58
Number: 4
Pages: 380-384
Summary of Methods: Ewes that had previously shown high- and low-preference for sagebrush were used in a three year study at the USDA Sheep Experiment Station (44° 14’ 44†N; 112°12’ 47†W) near Dubois, Idaho to determine if sheep could be used to decrease the sagebrush canopy cover. In October of 2001-2003, sheep grazed 8 pastures (during the first two years 10 ewes grazed each pasture for 8 days, the last year 8 ewes grazed each pastures for 10 days). This stocking rate is higher than what is recommended for this vegetative type which is 16 sheep per day per ha. Shrub canopy cover (%) was estimated before and after the grazing period.
Article Summary / Main Points: There was no difference in the amount of sagebrush removed by ewes with a high-preference for sagebrush than ewes with low-preference for sagebrush. Overall ewes reduced the canopy of this plant by 3% each fall. It was also discovered that ewes that prefer sagebrush also prefer antelope bitterbrush and consequently, reduced its canopy cover.
Vegetation Types: Sagebrush Steppe
MLRA Ecoregions: 11 Snake River Plains
Agrovoc Control Words: Sagebrush Rangelands Grazing
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: diet selection, sheep grazing, plant cover, cover reduction, antelope bitterbrush, purshia tridentata
Annotation: This study is relevant as recently the idea of selecting livestock to consume a target-forage has been brought forward. The results of this study show that there needs to be additional research in this area as selection of animals for dietary preference for one plant species needs to be evaluated to determine if other plants (non-targets) are also preferred to limit potential negative effects on the environment.
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