Range condition influences on Chihuahuan Desert cattle and jackrabbit diets
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Authors: A. Daniel, J. L. Holechek, R. Valdez, A. Tembo, L. Saiwana, M. Rusco, and M. Cardenas
Date: 1993
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 46
Number: 4
Pages: 296-301
Summary of Methods: The influence of range condition (good and fair) on cattle and jackrabbit diets was evaluated throughout the year on the Jornada Del Muerto Plain of the Chiuahuan desert for two years. Diets of both species were determined through analysis of fecal material collected at least twice during each season of use. Canopy cover was measured each fall using line intercept. Cattle grazing was kept at a moderate level on both sites over the course of the study.
Article Summary / Main Points: Jackrabbit densities were higher on fair condition range than range in good condition. Jackrabbits consume more forbs and shrubs than cattle regardless of range condition, especially those forage species considered to be poisonous to cattle. Cattle preferred the good condition range which had higher percentages of grasses and forbs. The reduction of poisonous plants through jackrabbit use improves the quality of forage available for cattle. Removal of jackrabbit populations could deteriorate overall rangeland health and be counterproductive to cattle grazing.
Vegetation Types: Desert Grasslands
MLRA Ecoregions: 42 Southern Desertic Basins, Plains, and Mountains
Agrovoc Control Words: Grazing Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: rangeland, wildlife, livestock, arid lands, poisonous plants, grazing management
Annotation: The results of this study are applicable to desert rangelands where range managers are concerned with rabbit populations and the effect they have upon cattle grazing. This study illustrates with moderate cattle grazing and jackrabbit densities on desert rangelands these two species have complementary diets. This study would have greater merit if more grazing intensities and stock rates of both species would have been examined. This article is part of a broader research project by Daniel et al. 1993; which is also summarized on the RSIS website.
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