Method of Supplementation May Affect Cattle Grazing Patterns

Supplement placement can be used to manipulate livestock grazing patterns. The objective of this case study was to compare the effect of low-moisture blocks (LMB) and range cake (barley-based cylindrical cubes, 2 cm in diameter, and 2 to 8 cm long) supplementation on cattle grazing patterns in Montana foothill rangeland. One group of nonlactating cows (n = 79) was fed cake 3 times per week (1.8 kg · cow⁻¹ · feeding⁻¹), and the other group (n = 81) had continuous access to LMB in separate pastures using a crossover design. Movement patterns of cows were recorded with global positioning system collars during four periods (2 wk · period⁻¹) during autumn. Range cake was fed on accessible areas, and LMB were placed in higher and steeper terrain. Intake of LMB averaged (mean ± SE) 318 ± 50 g · d⁻¹. Cows fed LMB (8.07° ± 0.20°) were observed on steeper slopes (P = 0.08) than cows fed range cake (6.96° ± 0.19°). Forage utilization decreased as slope increased to a greater degree when range cake was fed than when LMB was fed (P = 0.001). Cows spent more time (P = 0.05) within 100 m of LMB (274 ± 23 min · d⁻¹) than at range cake feeding sites (67 ± 24 min · d⁻¹). Strategic placement of LMB on high, steep terrain appears to be a more practical and effective approach than traditional hand-feeding range cake on intermediate terrain to improve uniformity of cattle grazing on rugged rangeland.     

Evaluation of Low-Stress Herding and Supplement Placement for Managing Cattle Grazing in Riparian and Upland Areas

Management practices are often needed to ensure that riparian areas are not heavily grazed by livestock. A study was conducted in Montana during midsummer to evaluate the efficacy of low-stress herding and supplement placement to manage cattle grazing in riparian areas. Three treatments were evaluated in three pastures over a 3-yr period in a Latin-square design (n = 9). Each year, naïve 2-yr-old cows with calves were randomly assigned to the three treatments: 1) free-roaming control, 2) herding from perennial streams to upland target areas, and 3) herding to upland sites with low-moisture block supplements. Stubble heights along the focal stream were higher (P = 0.07) in pastures when cattle were herded (mean ± SE, 23 ± 2 cm) than in controls (15 ± 3 cm). Global positioning system telemetry data showed that herding reduced the time cows spent near (< 100 m) perennial streams (P = 0.01) and increased the use of higher elevations (P = 0.07) compared with controls. Evening visual observations provided some evidence that free-roaming cows (44% ± 19%) were in riparian areas more frequently (P = 0.11) than herded cows (23% ± 6%). Fecal abundance along the focal stream was less (P = 0.07) with herding (61.9 ±  kg · ha⁻¹) than in controls (113.2 ±  kg · ha⁻¹). Forage utilization within 600 m of supplement sites was greater (P = 0.06) when cows were herded to low-moisture blocks (18% ± 6%) compared with controls and herding alone (8% ± 2%). Moving cattle to uplands at midday using low-stress herding is an effective tool to reduce use of riparian areas. Herding cattle to low-moisture blocks can increase grazing of nearby upland forage but may not provide additional reduction in cattle use of riparian areas compared with herding alone.     

Eighty Years of Grazing by Cattle Modifies Sagebrush and Bunchgrass Structure

Grazing by cattle is ubiquitous across the sagebrush steppe; however, little is known about its effects on sagebrush and native bunchgrass structure. Understanding the effects of long-term grazing on sagebrush and bunchgrass structure is important because sagebrush is a keystone species and bunchgrasses are the dominant herbaceous functional group in these communities. To investigate the effects of long-term grazing on sagebrush and bunchgrass structure, we compared nine grazing exclosures with nine adjacent rangelands that were grazed by cattle in southeast Oregon. Grazing was moderate utilization (30 ? 45%) with altering season of use and infrequent rest. Long-term grazing by cattle altered some structural aspects of bunchgrasses and sagebrush. Ungrazed bunchgrasses had larger dead centers in their crowns, as well as greater dead fuel depths below and above the crown level compared with grazed bunchgrasses. This accumulation of dry fuel near the meristematic tissue may increase the probability of fire-induced mortality during a wildfire. Bunchgrasses in the ungrazed treatment had more reproductive stems than those in the long-term grazed treatment. This suggests that seed production of bunchgrasses may be greater in ungrazed areas. Sagebrush height and longest canopy diameter were 15% and 20% greater in the ungrazed compared with the grazed treatment, respectively. However, the bottom of the sagebrush canopy was closer to the ground in the grazed compared with the ungrazed treatment, which may provide better hiding cover for ground-nesting avian species. Sagebrush basal stem diameter, number of stems, amount of dead material in the canopy, canopy gap size, and number of canopy gaps did not differ between ungrazed and grazed treatments. Moderate grazing does not appear to alter the competitive relationship between a generally unpalatable shrub and palatable bunchgrasses. Long-term, moderate grazing appears to have minimal effects to the structure of bunchgrasses and sagebrush, other than reducing the risk of bunchgrass mortality during a fire event.     

川南山地黄牛放牧及放牧补饲的增重试验

本试验在三峡库区丰都县选用川南山地黄牛 1 2头 ,随机分成 3组 ( 2个试验组 ,1个对照组 ) ,进行放牧和放牧加补饲的增重试验。经过 60 d的试验 ,2个试验组的平均日增重 ( ADG)分别为 5 4 4.5 8g和 60 2 .92 g,比对照组的 1 37.92 g分别提高 2 94.85 %和 337.1 5 % ;增重毛利润分别为 5 2 .45元 /头和 80 .31元 /头 ,比对照组的 41 .40元分别增加 1 1 .0 5元 /头和 38.91元 /头。试验结果表明 ,与放牧相比 ,放牧加补饲能显著提高日增重 ,增加经济效益     

肉用仔鸡日粮中添加蛋氨酸铜、锌和锰对粪便微量元素排放的研究

为了比较肉用仔鸡日粮中添加不同有机微量元素后粪便中铜、锰、锌、排放的影响,试验选择1日龄AA肉仔鸡,分为7个处理,对照组添加无机硫酸盐(锌50mg/kg;铜10mg/kg;锰50 mg/kg),试验组分别用Mintrex-Cu替代5 mg/kg或全部替代硫酸铜;以Min-trex-Zn代替20 mg/kg硫酸锌,以Mintrex-Mn代替20 mg/kg硫酸锰,或在对照组基础上添加20mg/kg的Mintrex-Mn或Mintrex-Zn.42日龄时,采用全收粪法收集粪样72h,用原子吸收分光光度计测定粪样中铜、锰、锌的含量.结果表明:Mintrex-Cu代替50%或100%硫酸铜,对粪便中铜、锌和锰的排泄量没有显著影响(P＞0.05),Mintrex-Zn/Mn替代40%无机锌、锰对锌、锰排泄量没有显著影响(P＞0.05).在基础日粮中额外添加20mg/kgMintrex-Zn/Mn显著提高了粪便中锌、锰的排泄量(P＜0.05),但添加20mg/kgMintrex-Mn降低铜排泄量20%以上(P＜0.05).研究说明,在基础日粮微量元素水平低于需要量的情况下,采用有机微量元素替代无机微量元素对粪便中微量元素排泄量的影响很小,额外添加有机微量元素则提高粪便微量元素的排泄.     

肉用仔鸡日粮中添加蛋氨酸铜、锌和锰对粪便微量元素排放的研究

为了比较肉用仔鸡日粮中添加不同有机微量元素后粪便中铜、锰、锌、排放的影响,试验选择1日龄AA肉仔鸡,分为7个处理,对照组添加无机硫酸盐（锌50mg/kg;铜10mg/kg;锰50 mg/kg）,试验组分别用Mintrex-Cu替代5 mg/kg或全部替代硫酸铜;以Min-trex-Zn代替20 mg/kg硫酸锌,以Mintrex-Mn代替20 mg/kg硫酸锰,或在对照组基础上添加20mg/kg的Mintrex-Mn或Mintrex-Zn。42日龄时,采用全收粪法收集粪样72h,用原子吸收分光光度计测定粪样中铜、锰、锌的含量。结果表明：Mintrex-Cu代替50%或100%硫酸铜,对粪便中铜、锌和锰的排泄量没有显著影响（P〉0.05）,Mintrex-Zn/Mn替代40%无机锌、锰对锌、锰排泄量没有显著影响（P〉0.05）。在基础日粮中额外添加20mg/kgMintrex-Zn/Mn显著提高了粪便中锌、锰的排泄量（P〈0.05）,但添加20mg/kgMintrex-Mn降低铜排泄量20%以上（P〈0.05）。研究说明,在基础日粮微量元素水平低于需要量的情况下,采用有机微量元素替代无机微量元素对粪便中微量元素排泄量的影响很小,额外添加有机微量元素则提高粪便微量元素的排泄。     

复合营养舔砖对瘤胃酶活性及消化代谢的影响

为了研究复合营养舔砖对瘤胃酶活性及消化代谢的影响,选用4头装有永久瘤胃瘘管的公牛(丹麦红牛公与闽南黄牛母的杂种一代),采用反转试验设计,对瘤胃内pH值、氨态氮(NH3-N)和瘤胃液中纤维素酶、蛋白水解酶的活性进行测定。研究表明:(1)饲喂舔砖后,瘤胃液pH值在短时间内下降,随后又缓慢升高。pH值波动幅度较大,这与复合营养舔砖的蛋白降解率较高有关。(2)舔砖对瘤胃内NH3-N浓度有较大影响,舔砖的粗蛋白含量高达38.7%,产生的NH3-N浓度比对照组高且差异显著。(3)舔砖对瘤胃液蛋白水解酶和纤维素酶的活性没有显著影响,这表明每头饲喂500g/d舔砖对牛的消化代谢功能不会产生不良影响。     

鲁西牛生长发育规律研究

[目的]为进一步了解鲁西牛生长发育规律及体重与各体尺间的内在联系。[方法]研究利用SPSS 26.0软件,分析鲁西牛体重与各体尺性状间的相关性,建立各体尺性状对体重的最优回归模型。[结果]结果显示鲁西牛群体I中所有体尺性状均与体重间存在极显著正相关(P<0.01),其中腹围(X5)、体高(X1)和胸围(X3)通过较强的直接作用影响体重(Y)。鲁西牛体尺(X)对体重(Y)的最优回归模型为：Y=2.374X1+2.455X3+2.721X5-923.527 (R=0.955,P<0.01)。根据最优回归模型,对鲁西牛群体II的体重数据进行预测,并将群体I和群体II进行合并为群体III,分析鲁西牛群体III体重与体高(X1)、胸围(X3)和腹围(X5)的相关性,并对相关系数进行分解。结果显示,体重(Y)相关程度最高的胸围(X3)性状对体重的直接作用最大(P=0.939),与体重间相关系数最小的体高(X1)则是通过较强的间接作用影响体重。[结论]综上,体高、胸围和腹围可作为3个重要参考指标,为后续合理评估鲁西牛生长发育性能提供理论参考。     

Cattle Grazing Distribution in Shortgrass Steppe: Influences of Topography and Saline Soils

The distribution of livestock across heterogeneous landscapes is often uneven, which has important implications for vegetation dynamics and how rangeland managers achieve desired outcomes from these landscapes. Here, we use data from widely available digital elevation models to classify a landscape in the shortgrass steppe with subtle topographic variation using two different approaches: topographic wetness index (TWI) and topographic position classes (TPCs) derived from topographic position indices. We used global positioning system collars to track the grazing locations of cattle within replicate pastures and fit generalized linear mixed models to their locations to quantify the influence of topography on grazing distribution. In addition, we examine the influence of the presence of saline vegetation communities on cattle use of lowlands. The resulting models indicate that TPC more effectively predicts grazing distribution than TWI and that the patterns are strongest in the second half of the growing season (August ? October). Model performance was improved with the inclusion of saline vegetation communities, although the magnitude of cattle grazing time in these communities was not consistent across multiple pastures. These models, in combination with local knowledge, can be used by managers to predict and manage livestock distribution even in landscapes with relatively subtle topographic variability.     

Cattle Grazing Distribution and Efficacy of Strategic Mineral Mix Placement in Tropical Brazilian Pastures

A study was conducted in Brazil to identify factors affecting grazing distribution of yearling Nelore cross heifers and to evaluate the efficacy of placement of a salt–mineral mix away from water to improve uniformity of grazing. Two pastures (25 ha and 42 ha) were evaluated for four 15-d sessions. Mineral mix was placed 590 m to 780 m from water during two sessions and at water for two sessions. Stubble heights were measured at the beginning and end of each session in 1-ha subunits of each pasture. Cattle locations were recorded on day 13 and 14 of each session by horseback observers. Heifers avoided areas with a preponderance of forbs and taller grass (P < 0.001). For the first 15 days of the study cattle avoided subunits farther from water. Thereafter, horizontal distance from water had no affect on grazing use (P > 0.10). Stubble height reduction was more uniform (P < 0.05) when the mineral mix was at water compared to away from water. In contrast, heifers spent less time farther from water when mineral mix was placed at water (P = 0.02) based on visual observations. Strategic placement of a salt–mineral mix away from water does not appear to be a reliable tool to improve cattle grazing distribution in humid tropical pastures from 25 ha to 45 ha in size.     

新疆褐牛与同龄牦牛放牧增重对比试验

对10头30月龄的新疆褐牛（（??）及牦牛（（?））,进行了128天暖季草原放牧增重对比试验。结果表明:新疆褐牛30月龄的体重为184.7 ±20.2kg,是同龄对照组牦牛的138％。36月龄的体重为253.6±32.5kg,是同龄对照组牦牛的154.7％。日增重538.4±157.5g,是同龄对照组牦牛的227％。两者之间差异极显著（P<0.01）。每头褐牛比牦牛多收入403.65元,经济效益明显。     

A Case Study Evaluating Economic Implications of Two Grazing Strategies for Cattle Ranches in Northwest Argentina

In the Argentinean Chaco Arido region, cattle production based on cow–calf operations is the principal source of agricultural income, and rangeland is the main forage source for cattle. Traditional grazing strategy (TGS, high stocking rate and continuous grazing) is considered the main cause of current rangeland degradation. Research shows that rangeland and cattle production improvements are possible when using a conservative grazing strategy (CGS, moderate stocking rate and rest rotation grazing). The aim of this research was to compare the effects of TGS and CGS applications on economic results for a cattle ranch in the region. To achieve this objective we used an approach that included estimations of forage and cattle production, and economic results. The study period was 1972/73–1983/84. Results showed that during the study period forage production and herd size were almost doubled with CGS, but maintained with TGS. The difference in net income between CGS and TGS (in Argentinean pesos, $), increased linearly from negative (-$2.88 · ha^-1) to positive ($4.48 · ha^-1) in the first 4 yr, and then was maintained at positive values (averaging $4.48 · ha^-1). Data suggest that CGS leads to higher productivity and better economic results than TGS in the medium and long terms.En la región del Chaco Árido Argentino, la ganadería de cría es la actividad agropecuaria más difundida. Esta actividad se basa principalmente en el forraje que proporciona el pastizal nativo. La estrategia de pastoreo tradicional (EPT, consistente de alta carga animal y pastoreo continuo), se considera la causa principal del estado de degradación actual del pastizal nativo. Varios estudios han mostrado que el mejoramiento de la productividad del pastizal y del ganado es posible cuando se utiliza una estrategia de pastoreo conservativa (EPC, consistente en carga animal moderada y un pastoreo que permita descanso del pastizal en época de crecimiento). El objetivo de esta investigación fue comparar el efecto de la EPT y la EPC sobre el aspecto económico de un rancho ganadero de la región del Chaco Árido. Para lograr dicho objetivo se hizo un análisis en distintas etapas, estimación de la producción forrajera, estimación de la producción ganadera, y estimación del resultado económico. El periodo de estudio fue desde 1972/73 hasta 1983/84. Los resultados mostraron que durante el periodo de estudio la producción de forraje y el tamaño del rodeo se duplicaron para la EPC, mientras que para EPT se mantuvieron. La diferencia en el resultado económico neto entre la EPC y la EPT (en pesos Argentinos, $), se incrementó linealmente desde valores negativos (-$2.88 · ha^-1) a valores positivos ($4.48 · ha^-1) en los cuatro primeros años, para luego mantenerse en un valor promedio de $4.48 · ha^-1. Los resultados sugieren que la EPC permite obtener una productividad más alta y mejores resultados económicos que la EPT a mediano y largo plazo.     

Remote Sensing of Spatial and Temporal Vegetation Patterns in Two Grazing Systems

One constraint that range scientists must face in grazing studies is the lack of accurate and repeatable techniques for discriminating grazing effects from both temporal variability and spatial heterogeneity of vegetation. Both forms of variability contribute to inconsistent grazing system effects on vegetation response and forage production in semiarid ecosystems. Remote sensing may be an efficient tool for detecting differences in spatial and temporal patterns of grazing impact on vegetation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the spectral data derived from satellite images as a tool for comparing grazing system impacts on spatial and temporal vegetation patterns. We evaluated the effect of two grazing systems, “Continuous” (C) and “Two-Paddocks Rest-Rotation” (TPRR), on vegetation cover from 1996 to 2006 in a semiarid ecosystem of Argentina. We compared grazing effects on vegetation cover using two indices derived from the Normalized Difference of Vegetation Index (NDVI) data from Landsat Thematic Mapper images. We observed a slight advantage in NDVI improvement for the TPRR over the C. Even though, in both grazing systems, an upward vegetation trend occurred only in areas located far from the watering points, TPRR showed higher relative vegetation cover near the watering point than C. We consider this methodology an important step for monitoring vegetation changes and making management decisions in livestock systems of semiarid regions because grazing system impacts may be compared for both spatial and temporal vegetation patterns. However, we think that the key next step is to develop procedures that discriminate between forage and nonforage components.     

椰子粕等量替代玉米对泌乳牛和干奶牛的影响

[目的]为了掌握用椰子粕替代等量玉米对泌乳牛和干奶牛的影响。[方法]挑选健康的泌乳牛20头和干奶牛12头,遵循品种相同,年龄、胎次、产犊日、产奶量和体重相近的原则,将它们两两配对,随机分成试验组和对照组,两组的日粮结构和饲养管理制度基本一致,不同的是,试验组牛所用的试验精料改为在原相应精料基础上添加15%的椰子粕,替代等量的玉米,试验期间,定期记录试验牛的日产奶量,观察膘情和其他相关体征,看两组有何差异。[结果]结果显示:试验期间试验组牛的日平均产奶量为16.00kg,对照组为15.99kg,两组差异不显著(P0.05);试验组牛的平均体重为475.19kg,对照组为475.75kg,两组差异也不显著(P0.05),但是,用试验组精料每吨可节约成本168元。[结论]因此,在奶牛精料中添加15%的椰子粕替代等量玉米是可行的,奶牛场通过使用这样的日粮可以获得显著的经济效益。     

Seasonal Divergence of Landscape Use by Heritage and Conventional Cattle on Desert Rangeland

Adopting livestock with heritage genetics may help to improve the sustainability of agriculture on rangelands with harsh, challenging conditions. In the Chihuahuan Desert, preliminary evidence suggests that heritage Raramuri Criollo exploit a greater variety of range resources than do conventional cattle. Accordingly, the use of Raramuri Criollo may help sustain vegetation and soils, as well as agricultural production. To explore these possibilities, we used Global Positioning System collars to track Angus × Hereford and Raramuri Criollo cows in a 1 535-ha pasture in southern New Mexico in June–December 2008. As predicted on the basis of past research, home range sizes of Raramuri Criollo exceeded those of Angus × Hereford during seasons with low forage availability—by 31.4 ± 6.5 ha during Pregreenup and 17.2 ± 6.5 ha during Drydown—but sizes converged during more productive seasons (Greenup 1, Greenup 2). Angus × Hereford allotted more daily time to resting, with the difference most pronounced during Drydown (71.1 ± 21.1 min day^{? 1}). Angus × Hereford had twice as many hotspots of use (locations with multiple visits of long duration), with seasonal timing and location corresponding with distribution patterns known to impact desirable natural resources. Raramuri Criollo more strongly preferred the Bare/Forbs ecological state with seasonal timing that possibly signals an ability to use nutritious forbs on open ground despite summer heat. Results are consistent with conjectures that compared with conventional cattle, Raramuri Criollo have greater daily mobility and wider spatial distribution during dry seasons. Although not directly measured, results also suggest that the heritage breed has superior heat tolerance and lower impact on desirable natural resources. These findings provide evidence that Raramuri Criollo can support sustainable livestock production in the Chihuahuan Desert, but direct measurements of profitability and environmental effects are needed before adoption can be recommended widely.     

Bison and Cattle Grazing Impacts on Grassland Stream Morphology in the Flint Hills of Kansas

Despite a shift from yr-round bison grazing throughout the Great Plains before European settlement to extensive seasonal cattle grazing, little is known about ungulate grazing impacts on grassland streams. In this study we 1) determine whether grazing management is a significant driver of grassland stream morphology within the Flint Hills Ecoregion (Kansas, United States); 2) determine if yr-round bison grazing (the precolonial condition) and seasonal cattle grazing (the currently dominant grazing practice in the region) result in distinct stream morphology; and 3) determine if the introduction of cattle into ungrazed watersheds produces significant changes to channel morphology. We use a replicated watershed-scale study design and survey 17 streams across four grazing treatments (ungrazed, long-term bison grazed [yr-round], long-term cattle grazed [seasonal], and newly cattle grazed [seasonal]). Baseline geomorphic surveys were completed in 2010 following consistent grazing management since 1992, and resurveys were completed in 2011 and 2013 to determine short-term grazing impacts. Under the conditions of the experiment, we did not detect significant differences (P > 0.10) in channel morphology or stream bed substrate size among grazing treatments following nearly 2 decades of consistent grazing management. Cattle introduction into ungrazed watersheds resulted in modest (P < 0.05) stream widening (0.19 m, 3.9%) following two grazing seasons. Bison grazed watersheds also experienced modest (P < 0.05) stream widening (0.20 m, 5.1%) during the resurvey period. Stream widening from 2010 to 2013 within newly cattle-grazed and long-term bison-grazed treatments indicates that cattle and bison are capable of producing moderate alterations to grassland stream morphology over short time periods. However, longer time periods containing more diverse hydrologic conditions may be necessary to generate larger geomorphic changes between surveys. Although we detected modest changes to stream morphology in response to grazing over short time periods, overall, stream morphology does not vary among grazing treatments in the study area.     

Behavioral and Ecological Implications of Bunched,Rotational Cattle Grazing in East African Savanna Ecosystem

Rangelands and the wildlife and livestock they support are critical to human livelihoods, but rangeland ecosystems increasingly suffer from overgrazing and degradation. Planned grazing, a strategy that commonly involves time-controlled rotations of high-density (bunched) groups of cattle across a pasture, is marketed as a method to enhance rangeland health and lessen livestock impacts. However, the behavioral mechanisms underlying any potential rangeland improvements resulting from rotational, high-density planned grazing have rarely been examined. To investigate these mechanisms, we compared planned grazing with conventional continuous grazing management in a savanna ecosystem in Kenya. We surveyed cattle grazing behavior, measured changes in vegetation characteristics through surveys conducted before and after cattle grazing, and measured native ungulate abundance following grazing using camera traps. Stocking rates were held constant across treatments, resulting in a commensurate decline in total foliar hits per pin (a proxy for vegetative biomass) across treatments. Planned grazing management altered cattle behavior and reduced grazing selectivity by restricting movements, causing cattle to walk more slowly while grazing and to take more bites per step. Vegetation survey results supported this finding: cattle in the planned grazing treatment ate significantly more Pennisetum grasses (typically avoided because of their unpalatability), creating the opportunity for regrowth of more palatable species after seasonal rains. We also documented significantly higher zebra presence in planned grazing plots after cattle grazing, likely due to increased relative abundance of more palatable grass species. This investigation of grazing behavior, and specifically decreased grazing selectivity as a mechanism underpinning the benefits of planned grazing, shows that when conducted at appropriate stocking densities, planned grazing has the potential to help mitigate rangeland degradation and improve rangeland sustainability for both livestock and wildlife in pastoral African savanna ecosystems.     

Performance and Economic Returns of Stocker Cattle on Tallgrass Prairie Under Different Grazing Management Strategies

A 4-yr study was conducted to determine performance of stocker calves on tallgrass prairie under three grazing management strategies. Pastures were assigned to one of three grazing treatments. Grazing was initiated in June, and pastures were grazed only during the summer months for 57 to 104 d (79.5 ± 20.7 d). Two of the pastures were grazed season-long. Calves in one of the season-long treatments were fed a protein supplement during the second half of the grazing season; calves in the other season-long treatment were not supplemented (control group). The third pasture, an intensive early stocking (IES) treatment, was grazed at twice the stocking rate used in the season-long pastures for the first half of the grazing season (40 ± 11 d) and rested for the second half (39.5 ± 10 d). Individual stocker performance during the first half of the summer was similar among grazing treatments. Providing supplemental protein during the second half of the grazing season increased BW gain by 30 kg/ha during the last 40 d of the 80-d grazing season and increased BW gain by 12 kg/ha for the entire summer. Over the summer, IES stocker calves produced 24% more gain/ha than season-long stocked calves. Nonetheless, IES management was not more profitable than season-long grazing with or without protein supplementation. Under short-term ownership of calves in the IES system, fixed costs represented a large portion of the total cost.     

Evaluation of Landscape-Level Grazing Capacity for Domestic Sheep in Alpine Rangelands

Balancing the number of grazing animals with the level of plant resources is a core issue in grazing management. Complete, full-coverage vegetation surveys are often used for this purpose, but these are expensive undertakings. We have presented a method to downscale information from regional sampling surveys by poststratification using a land cover map derived from satellite-based measures of reflectance values. This approach opens new prospects for landscape-level evaluation of productivity. We applied this method to eight grazing districts (19–245 km²) in Setesdal Vesthei, Norway, in 2006. Sheep densities in three of eight grazing districts of Setesdal Vesthei fluctuated above the estimated grazing capacity. We fitted 43 sheep with Global Positioning System collars in two contrasting grazing districts in 2007–2008 to assess their selection of the land cover productivity classes in the map used for poststratification. In the area with high vegetation coverage, sheep selection increased in areas with an overall higher productivity, supporting the main basis of the approach. However, in the grazing districts with lower vegetation coverage, selection was higher for areas of overall low vegetation productivity. The likely explanation is the presence of small areas of snow bed vegetation with high-quality forage in areas with a generally rocky surface. Our study provides a first step toward a grazing capacity evaluation to achieve a sustainable management of sheep on alpine ranges of Scandinavia, and our approach is likely applicable to other open alpine ranges in the northern hemisphere.