Yeo et al. examined cattle grazing behavior and vegetation measurements to determine the effects of implementing a rest-rotation grazing system on federally owned grazing allotments in Idaho. Cattle preferred to graze in areas of relatively flat terrain that were close to water, on grasses and some shrub species. However, cattle rarely used upland areas, which were considered suitable for winter wildlife use. After the grazing system was implemented, composition and cover of preferred grass species were enhanced in areas most used by cattle, and range condition generally improved. The authors suggest that rest-rotation grazing is a good management practice for Idaho grazing allotments because it maintains the condition of the range for both livestock and wildlife uses.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.