Rangeland cattle and manure placement: A link to water quality
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Authors: R. E. Larsen, J. C. Buckhouse, J. A. Moore, and J. R. Miner
Date: 1988
Journal: Oregon Academy of Science
Volume: 24
Number: 12
Pages: 7-15
Summary of Methods: The number of defecations cattle make directly into a stream was investigated along Bear Creek a high desert watershed in Crook county, Oregon (between 44° 00' and 43° 52' 30" N; and between 120° 42' 30" and 120° 30' W). Upland forages included juniper, shrub, and grass ecosystems and these forages are usually unpalatable by mid-summer. The numbers of defecations were monitored during several observation periods from several hundred meters away to ensure behavior was not influenced. Observation periods occurred in two months (August and November) using binoculars during daylight and night scope at night.
Article Summary / Main Points: Animals frequently defecated after drinking and a large number of defecations were on streambanks, often when walking along riparian zones. The average number of direct defecations into the stream per cow per day ranged from 0.41 in August and 0.19 in November. Variation is due to the higher temperatures causing animals to spend 0.8% of the 398 hours in August than in November (0.49%) of 364 hours in the riparian zone. The total percentage of feces directly deposited into the stream ranged from 3.4% in late summer and 1.7% in late fall.
Vegetation Types: Riparian and Wetlands
MLRA Ecoregions: 10 Central Rocky and Blue Mountain Foothills 43C Blue and Seven Devils Mountains
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Grazing Water quality
Article Review Type: Peer Reviewed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: riparian area, water quality, bacterial contamination, livestock defecation, livestock stream access, livestock behavior
Annotation: These results are applicable to streams and riparian zones across most vegetation types. Grazing intensity and stocking density were not investigated in the study which could affect the results. The study provides evidence on the placement of livestock feces in streams and riparian zones which effect water quality.
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