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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Burns, Oregon » Range and Meadow Forage Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #98896
Title: SEASONAL CATTLE GRAZING AMONG YOUNG BITTERBRUSH

Author
item Ganskopp, David
item Svejcar, Anthony
item TAYLOR, FRED - BLM
item FARSTVEDT, JERRY - ODFW

Submitted to: Oregon Chapter of the Wildlife Society
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/8/1999
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata) is a palatable and important shrub for wintering big game on western rangelands. It is difficult to establish, and there is little information on how cattle grazing affects new stands. A 3-year study examined patterns of livestock grazing among young bitterbrush when associated grasses were green and growing or dormant. Early-season grazing increased shrub volume over ungrazed controls while late-season grazing reduced bitterbrush size in all instances. To maximize available browse or foster young stands, cattle grazing should occur early in the growing season and then be deferred after grasses begin to flower.