Nutrition and Production of Domestic Sheep Managed as Manipulators of Big Game Habitat

Abstract

Weight gains of ewes and lambs, forage intake, and dietary quality of ewes were evaluated from mid-May to early July on foothill ranges under two intensities and durations of grazing management. Dietary quality was poorer and forage intake was lower under heavy than under moderate stocking. Individual lambs gained somewhat less weight under heavy stocking but ewes were not affected. A short-term, rotational grazing scheme, as compared to season-long grazing, did not appear either beneficial or detrimental to sheep. Response of the plant community will be a major factor determining which grazing system provides the best winter range for big game, but heavy stocking was decidedly superior when lamb production was considered on a land area basis.