To compare trampling damage to grassland songbird nests, cattle (Bos taurus) were grazed in 1.2 ha paddock areas in three different rotational grazing systems, all involving 70 animal days. The treatments were 72 AU in a one day rotation, 18 AU in a four day rotation, and 9 AU in a seven day rotation. Paine et al. found that the amount of trampling damage was about the same for all three treatments. However, moving the cattle into a paddock when the vegetation was at a greater height-density and leaving more residue post-grazing created more nest protection.
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.