Cattle distribution patterns and vegetation use in mountain riparian areas
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Authors: C. T. Parsons, P. A. Momont, T. Delcurto, M. McInnin, and M. L. Porath
Date: 2003
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 56
Number: 4
Pages: 334-341
Summary of Methods: Cattle distribution in riparian areas and adjacent uplands was investigated along Mill Creek on the Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center’s Hall Ranch (45° 7' 48" N, 117° 42' 32" W) to determine how cattle use riparian areas during three treatments (early summer grazing, late summer grazing, or no grazing pastures). Cows were grazed from mid-June to mid-July (early summer) or mid-August to mid-September (later summer). Livestock distribution and behavior patterns were visually monitored every hour, during daylight, of weeks three and four. Vegetation utilization, stubble height, forage quality, fecal deposits, and forage nutrient composition were recorded for two years.
Article Summary / Main Points: Cattle spent equal amounts of time in the uplands and the riparian areas in early summer, primarily in the afternoon. Cattle were located further away from streams during early summer than late summer. Conversely, in late summer, the cattle were in the riparian areas more frequently, leading to decreased distribution. Total grazing time was similar for both seasons and peak grazing occurred during morning, mid-day, and evening; however, the morning peak was later in the late summer season than in the early summer. The number of fecal deposits within 1 m of the stream was similar in early and late summer grazing. Forage was higher in crude protein and lower in fiber in the early summer than in the late summer, but there were no differences between the riparian and upland vegetation. Cattle distribution relative to the riparian area was affected by season of use as the level of use on upland vegetation was greater and riparian vegetation was lower in early summer than in late summer.
Vegetation Types: Riparian and Wetlands
MLRA Ecoregions: 43C Blue and Seven Devils Mountains
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Grazing
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Documented Case History
Keywords: beef cattle, distribution patterns, riparian areas, season of use, vegetation utilization
Annotation: This was a replicated study over two years with results applicable to other mountain riparian areas. These findings increase the understanding of cattle distribution patterns and vegetation use in mountain riparian areas. Climactic differences will change the distribution of cattle regardless of how similar the vegetation and landscape are. This study was well designed; complete with control pastures and replication of grazing treatments. To obtain better understanding of the interactions between grazing animals and rangeland systems, continued long-term (multiple years) studies are required.
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