Food Habits and Distribution of Cattle on a Forest and Pasture Range in Northern Idaho

Abstract

The food habits and distribution of a cow-calf herd on a northern Idaho summer range was studied for 2 years. The forest-pasture range consisted of comparable areas of seeded grassland (pasture), tall brush, and forest communities. The entire area was classified as Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)/ninebark (Physocarpus malvaceus) habitat-type; however, ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) dominated the forested communities. By early July, up to one-half of the cattle diet came from forest species, primarily browse. Ninebark comprised the major browse diet component. Browse species were selected more frequently in 1978, a wet year, than in the drought year of 1977, primarily because the livestock spent more time in the pasture during 1977. This occurred even though pasture production was much greater in 1978. Range managers in the northern Rockies should consider the forage value of tall shrubs when planning grazing programs.