Species composition of a Texas grassland under rotational grazing (3 days graze, 51 days rest) was measured when cattle were stocked at rates that were 1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5 times the recommended moderate stocking rate. After 10 years, all stocking rates, including the recommended stocking rate, altered the species composition of the grassland when compared to pre-grazing or grazing exclosure composition. Curly mesquite (Hilaria belangeri) increased, while sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) and midgrasses decreased at all stocking rates. Threeawn (Aristida spp.) species decreased under heavy stocking rates, and shortgrasses and cool-season grasses decreased inside and outside of the exclosure. These results suggest that the stocking rates and grazing system that were used in this study are not appropriate for this type of grassland since sensitive key species decreased and species composition changed so dramatically. The authors recommend that management should include longer rest periods and monitoring of indicator species to maintain or improve species composition in this area.
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