The effect of cattle, and sheep and goat grazing (2 years sheep followed by 1 year of goat grazing) on yellow starthistle was examined on two sites in California over three years. One site was located 20 miles west of Maxwell, CA while the second site was at the UC Davis Agronomy Farm. Cattle were grazed in a short duration, high intensity grazing system for three years at first site. Sheep were grazed for two years followed by goat grazing during the third year at the UC Davis Agronomy Farm in a short duration, high intensity grazing system. Grazing occurred at either rosette or bolt (pre-spiny) stages. Stocking rates for the cattle grazing site were 18 cow/calf pairs per 1/2 acre with grazing time periods ranging from less than 8 to 24 hours and were considered heavy grazing intensity. Stocking rates for the sheep grazing site were 20-40 ewes per 0.1 acre with grazing time periods of 2.5-3 weeks. Vegetative measurements were taken before and after grazing occurred.
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