Halstad et al. looked the effects of a deferred, rest-rotation grazing system on the feeding site selection by elk at the Walker Basin Allotment in Central Arizona. Cattle grazed a four pasture system (two pastures per year), while elk were free to graze in any pasture at any time (included the two cattle-rested pastures). The authors found that cattle grazing had no significant impact on the site selection of elk grazing. In both years, pasture 1 and 2 were used twice as much by elk than pastures 3 and 4. The authors felt that since pastures 1 and 2 bordered a large pinyon/juniper stand, that cover was a bigger limiting factor than forage quality for the elk. Further study is needed on different sites and elevations to determine the effect that cattle grazing can have on elk feeding site selection.
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