Steer diets in a montane riparian community
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Authors: A. J. Pelster, S. Evans, W. C. Leininger, M. J. Trlica, and W. P. Clary
Date: 2004
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 57
Number: 5
Pages: 546-552
Summary of Methods: To determine if willow consumption by steers in a montane riparian zone was more closely related to season of use (spring or fall) or to residual stubble height of the herbaceous forage, a one year study was conducted on the Sheep Creek grazing allotment in the Roosevelt National Forest, Colorado (40Ëš 56' 70" N, 105Ëš 40' 18" W). Three existing exclosures were divided into four paddocks each and were grazed during one of 4 grazing periods (spring, early-summer, late-summer, and fall). Vegetation biomass was measured at the beginning of each grazing period. Diet samples were collected at 4 levels of herbaceous utilization (initial use, low, moderate, and high levels) during each grazing period. Botanical composition of steer diets and residual stubble height were also measured.
Article Summary / Main Points: As herbaceous stubble height reached 10 and 18 cm during the spring and early-summer grazing periods, willow consumption increased. Willow consumption was highest during late summer and early fall. To reduce willow consumption during late-summer and fall grazing seasons, stubble heights greater than 20 cm were needed. Throughout the growing season cattle diet stayed mostly constant; willow was avoided, and Carex spp. made up the majority of the cattle diets. Stubble height did not affect grass consumption by steers. To minimize the consumption of willows by cattle in a montane riparian community, timing of use and carefully controlled levels of herbaceous utilization during periods of willow preference can be used.
Vegetation Types: Riparian and Wetlands
MLRA Ecoregions: 48A Southern Rocky Mountains 48B Southern Rocky Mountain Parks
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Grazing Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: carex spp., salix spp., seasonal cattle diets, grazing management, utilization, stubble height
Annotation: This was a replicated study over one year and is applicable to montane riparian areas. When using these results managers need to remember that preference is a measurement that is relative to other available forages. It would have been beneficial to have known the quality of the forage throughout each grazing period. This study was only conducted for one season and it is therefore unclear how much year to year variation might exist in willow consumption by steers in relation to the season of use or residual stubble heights.
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