Behavior of Yearling Cattle on Eastern Oregon Range

Abstract

Brahman x Hereford and Hereford yearling steers, grazing a sagebrush-bunchgrass range in eastern Oregon, displayed a distinct early morning, late evening, and a variable midday grazing pattern. Bedding occurred after 9 pm and little or no grazing activity was observed between that time and daybreak. The distribution of activity by these yearling steers during the grazing day was similar to that of cows grazing semi-arid ranges as reported by others. Three-fourths of the total travel time but only 20% of the total grazing time occurred around the time of watering.