Nesting birds and grazing cattle: Accommodating both on midwestern pastures
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Authors: S. A. Temple, B. M. Fevold, L. K. Paine, D. J. Undersander, and D. W. Sample
Date: 1999
Journal: Studies in Avian Biology
Volume: 19
Number:
Pages: 196-202
Summary of Methods: Ungrazed grasslands were the most productive for bird numbers, while rotationally grazed pastures were the least productive. Cattle (Bos taurus) trampling and nest desertion after cattle had grazed the surrounding nesting cover were the leading reasons for nest failure. The authors suggest a "pro-bird" grassland management system consisting of twelve paddocks, the center four being set aside as a nesting season refuge for birds. The authors conclude that livestock needs can be accommodated for, while also working towards increased avian productivity on grasslands.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: bos taurus, nest desertion, pro-bird grassland management system, population sink, nest cover, avian productivity
Annotation: Nineteen sites, totaling 98-ha, were ungrazed. Sixteen sites, totaling 91-ha, were continuously grazed with a stocking density of 2.4 to 4 animals/ha. Twenty-four sites, totaling 124-ha, were rotationally grazed with a stocking density of 40 to 60 animals/ha, in small paddocks about 5-ha each. These paddocks were grazed for 1 to 2 days and then undisturbed for 10 to 15 days before being grazed again.
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