Hall and Stout determined the effects of interseeding timothy (Phleum pratense) and orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) with alfalfa (Medicago sativa) on deer (Odocoileus virginianus) forage utilization and income losses (via hay sales). Deer preferentially grazed alfalfa, in pure and mixed stands, however, they also consumed more timothy than orchardgrass while grazing mixed pastures. Deer reduced economic returns $152/ha on average, and stands of alfalfa seeded with 50% timothy or 25-75% orchardgrass produced the highest returns. Based on these results, the authors suggest that alfalfa pastures should be interseeded with grasses, at the rates previously suggested, to reduce forage and economic losses due to deer grazing in Pennsylvania pastures.
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