Diets of Bison and Cattle on a Seeded Range in Southern Utah

Abstract

Diets of bison (Bison bison) and cattle (Bos taurus) were evaluated on a southern Utah range seeded to crested wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Bison feces comprised 96% grasses and sedges, 4% forbs, and 1% shrubs. Cattle feces comprised 88% grasses and sedges, 4% forbs, and 8% shrubs. Diets were 91% similar, indicating a high potential for competition between bison and cattle.