Foraging ecology of bison and cattle on a mixed prairie: Implications for natural area management
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Authors: G. E. Plumb, and J. L. Dodd
Date: 1993
Journal: Ecological Applications
Volume: 3
Number: 4
Pages: 631-643
Summary of Methods: Researchers measured the foraging behavior of bison and cattle on recently burned rangelands in the northern mixed prairie of northcentral South Dakota for three years to determine the differences between the two. Cattle and bison moderately grazed each burned pasture from June to early October. Throughout the grazing season forage species were collected and analyzed for nutritional quality and fecal samples were collected to determine diet composition.
Article Summary / Main Points: Overall, both bison and cattle are foraging generalists, although bison did consume more grass than cattle. Despite small differences in foraging preferences, both ungulates were able to maintain daily energy requirements and health throughout the grazing season. It is unclear whether bison or cattle have an advantage in maintaining the natural areas of the northern mixed prairie, further research is needed.
Vegetation Types: Northern Mixed Prairie
MLRA Ecoregions: 53B Central Dark Brown Glaciated Plains
Agrovoc Control Words: Grazing Rangelands Ungulates
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Documented Case History
Keywords: bison, cattle, diet quality, food habits, forage selection, foraging behavior, landscape, management of natural areas, mcpherson county, south dakota, northern mixed prairie, time budget
Annotation: This case study was conducted over three years and the associated findings have limited applicability to recently burned sites within the northern mixed prairie. As is true for all grazing research, the results are most directly applicable to areas with similar landscapes, type of ungulates, weather conditions and season of use. Testing additional grazing/burn treatments and a control would have been beneficial to understanding whether bison or cattle are better to achieve a specific rangeland management goal or whether a combination of the two foragers is the most beneficial tool.
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