Factors Influencing Patterns of Cattle Grazing Behavior on Shortgrass Steepe
Citation
Senft, R. L., Rittenhouse, L. R., & Woodmansee, R. G. (1985). Factors influencing patterns of cattle grazing behavior on shortgrass steppe. Journal of Range Management, 38(1), 82-87.Publisher
Society for Range ManagementJournal
Journal of Range ManagementDOI
10.2307/3899341Additional Links
https://rangelands.org/Abstract
Factors influencing distribution of free-roaming cattle were studied on shortgrass steppe in northeastern Colorado. Spatial units selected for grazing were plant communities (soil-plant associations) and a stock-watering area. Regression models of grazing patterns were derived for growing- and dormant-season grazing patterns. Seasonal-grazing distribution was correlated with proximity to water (1/distance) and site-quality indicators. Internal validation of seasonal-grazing models indicated a good fit of predicted to observed patterns. Because ad hoc regression models lack wide applicability, relationships between spatial preference and vegetation properties were investigated. Combined relative measures of forage quality and quantity were good predictors of community preference. Measures of relative biomass or frequencies of forage species were poor predictors of spatial preference. The high correlation between preference and properties of plants composing the bulk of the diet suggests an interaction between diet selection and selection of grazing areas. The highest correlation occurred between relative community preference and relative aboveground standing nitrogen (crude protein).Type
textArticle
Language
enISSN
0022-409Xae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.2307/3899341