Repellent Effects on Distribution of Steers on Native Range

Abstract

Range livestock production and uniform use of ranges are often limited by poor distribution of livestock over the range. A repellent was applied to preferred grazing areas (subirrigated range sites) of a mixed prairie range in northcentral South Dakota. Cow chips were used as a measure of occupation of yearling steers on sites where the repellent was applied. Comparison sites did not receive a repellent application. There was no significant difference in chip numbers between the 2 treatments. However, there was a nonsignificant short-term decline in cow chips deposited on repellent-sprayed subirrigated sites. Steers appeared to be marginally displaced from the sprayed subirrigated sites to adjacent unsprayed silty range sites.