Seasonal cattle management in 3 to 5 year old bitterbrush stands
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Authors: D. Ganskopp, T. Svejcar, F. Taylor, J. Farstvedt, and K. Paintner
Date: 1999
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 52
Number: 2
Pages: 166-173
Summary of Methods: After a 3-year study, Ganskopp et al. determined the cumulative effects of grazing on young bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata) plants for combinations of winter wildlife use and early- or late-season cattle grazing. Utilization of bitterbrush was higher during late season cattle grazing than early season and was related to the start date of grazing and the digestibility of other available forages. Winter wildlife use somewhat reduced the differences between the two cattle grazing treatments but late season cattle use still reduced height, diameter, and volume of bitterbrush more than early season use. Therefore, early season cattle grazing, when other available forages are still green and growing, is recommended for managers of young bitterbrush stands that are used by wildlife as winter forage.
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: antelope bitterbrush, purshia tridentata, shrub, livestock, big game, winter range, wildlife, habitat
Annotation: Treatments on 9 experimental pastures (1.47 ha each) included: 1) pastures grazed by cattle when grasses were green and growing (early), 2) pastures grazed after herbaceous forages had ceased growth and become dormant, and a third which was not grazed by cattle (control) but was accessible to wintering elk, deer, and pronghorn. Livestock grazing continued until approximately 40% of the forage had been utilized. After cattle were removed, available herbage was resampled by clipping 20 to 25, 1-m2 plots to estimate levels of forage utilization. In 1993, the early treatment was from June 10-24, and the dormant treatment was from September 20-26.,In 1994, the early treatment was from April 27-May 5, and the dormant treatment was from August 8-16. In 1995, the early treatment was from April 27-June 8, and the dormant treatment was from August 22-30.,In 1996, the early treatment was from May 3-August 19.
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