Ortega et al. studied the effects of moderate and heavy cattle (Bos taurus) stocking rates, under continuous and short-duration grazing treatments, on white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) diets. In vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM) values were greater under continuous grazing and heavy stocking rates. Continuous grazing appeared to supply greater quality of forage than short-duration grazing for deer. Despite the grazing system or stocking level, crude protein (CP) requirements for deer maintenance were met. For both stocking rates and grazing treatments, deer CP requirements for growth and lactation were not reached. Digestible energy (DE) requirements for deer maintenance and growth were met during all of the seasons. However, deer gestation DE requirements were met only during the spring of the first year and lactation requirements were never met during this study. Since adequate forage for both cattle and deer was available, deer dietary CP and digestibility were greatest under a combination of continuous grazing and heavy stocking rates. In the mesquite-mixed grass habitat of this study, continuous yearlong grazing, with a moderate stocking rate, would facilitate deer habitat enhancement.
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