Three densities of elk (Cervus elaphus canadensis) were grazed in the winter and early spring to determine how each effected the availability and use of forage by cattle (Bos taurus) in the spring. Elk grazing removed live and dead plant biomass, reducing forage dry matter, digestible energy, and nitrogen available for cattle consumption. Average digestibility and nitrogen content of perennial grasses was improved due to elk grazing, resulting in a shift of dead to live forage available to cattle. For the conditions of this study, a 45 gm/m2 of live and dead forage supply threshold exists. Strong competition will occur between elk and cattle if elk are allowed to remove forage beyond this level. Elk grazing has both facilitative and competitive effects on cattle.
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.