During the period from 1932 to 1946, rangeland was studied to determine a broad range of effects to three different cattle stocking rates. Four ranges were stocked year-long at 23.1 acres/breeding cow, four intermittently at 30.5 acres/breeding cow, and four lightest at 38.8 acres/breeding cow (pg. 68). Specific effects to many species of arid grasses and shrubs were outlined with the general conclusion that the heaviest grazing rate resulted in poor soil absorption and less litter cover and volume of roots. As a result, in the highest stocking rate areas, growth of cows was suppressed, growth of calves was retarded, and weights of all cattle on that range were lower throughout the year (pg. 70). The best way to ensure a healthy range, and in turn healthy cattle on the range, is to consistently monitor all plants and to make range management decisions in response to what one observes. (USDA Technical Bulletin 1252. U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 79pp.)
Tags: News Livestock Vegetation soil and cattle responses to grazing on northern Great Plains range |
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Cattle prefer to use upland areas to feed and rest in June and July, and then to spend more time in riparian areas in August and September. In dryer years they spend more time in the riparian zone, spending nights in upland areas only if insects are a problem. Stocking rate adjustments should be made based upon moisture patterns and climactic changes as well as forage quality.
Tags: News Livestock Cattle feeding and resting patterns in a foothills riparian zone |
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The effects of animals on soil and soil on animals (in Arizona and elsewhere) are large and diverse. There are 751 vertebrate species and more than 20,000 invertebrate species that affect the topographic, hydrologic, pedogenic, climactic, and biotic elements of soil. A site disturbance index (SDI) can help to measure the effects of animals including cattle, by measuring moisture vulnerability, mean force exerted by hooves on soil, daily range of animal, relative activity, and range shift. (University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.)
Tags: News Livestock Animals and soil in Arizona |
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Although 70% of the western U.S. is grazed, this fact is not reflected in the extent of research performed on grazing impacts to western ecosystems. This article serves as a review of available research and the author encourages conservation biologists to weigh in more often on the debate over rangeland use and grazing issues. (Conservation Biology 8: 629 - 644)
Tags: News Livestock Ecological costs of livestock grazing in western North America |
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Although livestock grazing has had detrimental effects on western riparian areas, 11 case studies outline how these negative effects can be remedied with good grazing management. Also mentioned are strategies that resulted in increased pasture production along with a healthier riparian ecosystem. (Northwest Resource
Information Center, Eagle, Iowa. 43pp)
Tags: News Livestock Livestock grazing on western riparian areas |
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