Volesky et al. measured animal performance and vegetation response to 3 different grazing systems (frontal, continuous, and rotational) with varying stocking rates. The frontal grazing system utilized a push-fence, which allowed cattle access to small areas of ungrazed pasture while simultaneously excluding previously grazed areas from regrazing and homogenizing forage use. When stocking rates were adjusted to leave similar amounts of residue at the end of the season, rotational grazing produced the greatest season-long daily gains, and frontal grazing increased the number of grazing days available, while decreasing the forb composition of the pastures. The frontal grazing system tested in this study resulted in more efficient forage use and a longer grazing season. However, it did not enhance animal production as expected, and is only recommended for use on cool-season and legume pastures, not native rangelands.
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.