Rangeland Ecology & Management

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Preferences of mule deer for 16 grasses found on Intermountain winter ranges.
Author
Austin, Dennis D.
Stevens, Richard
Jorgensen, Kent R.
Urness, Philip J.
Publisher
Society for Range Management
Publication Year
1994
Body

In rangeland revegetation, selection of forages palatable to the primary grazer is crucial Five tame mule deer were used in the spring and fall to determine forage preferences for 16 grasses commonly found on seeded foothill rangelands. Trials were conducted within a planted enclosure. Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) was the most preferred species in spring, and also preferred in fall. Other preferred species included 'Paiute' orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), 'Luna' pubescent wheatgrass (Agropyron trichophorum link.), and fairway wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum [L.] Gaertn). The least preferred grasses were three species of wildrye, 'Vinall' and 'Boisoisky' Russian wildrye (Psathyrostachys juncea Fisch.) and 'Magnar' basin wildrye (Elymus cinereus Scrib. and Merr.). Results showed a wide range of preferences for grasses.

Language
English
Resource Type
Text
Document Type
Journal Issue/Article
Journal Volume
47
Journal Number
4
Journal Pages
p. 308-311.
Collection
Journal Name
Journal of Range Management
Keywords
species differences
diet
Odocoileus hemionus
Utah
grasses
feeding preferences
biting rates
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