Ewes that had previously shown high- and low-preference for sagebrush were used in a three year study at the USDA Sheep Experiment Station (44°14’ 44â€; N 112°12’ 47†W) near Dubois, Idaho to determine if sheep could be used to decrease the sagebrush canopy cover. In October of 2001-2003, sheep grazed 8 pastures (during the first two years 10 ewes grazed each pasture for 8 days, the last year 8 ewes grazed each pastures for 10 days). This stocking rate is higher than what is recommended for this vegetative type which is 16 sheep per day per ha. Shrub canopy cover (%) was estimated before and after the grazing period.
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