| Vegetation, soil, and cattle responses to grazing on northern Great Plains range |
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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.)
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