Previous defoliation may enhance the quantity or quality of forage available to elk during the winter. Authors initiated this study to determine if spring or fall simulated cattle grazing would affect bluebunch wheatgrass quantity and/or quality on elk winter range in Oregon. Plants clipped in the spring had similar digestibility, and calcium and phosphorous concentrations, as unclipped plants, but provided 40% less winter forage. This indicates that grazing in June reduced forage quantity, but did not increase forage quality, as was desired. Plants clipped in the fall had higher digestibility and concentrations of phosphorous than spring clipped or unclipped plants, but provided 88% less winter forage, indicating that fall cattle grazing produces a minimal amount of high quality forage for wintering elk. Land managers should have knowledge of the foraging behaviors and diets of cattle and elk to successfully provide forage for both species throughout the year. Cattle grazing during spring and fall can greatly reduce the quantity of forage available to wintering elk.
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.