Cohen et al. looked at the effects of two different grazing treatments on the diurnal activity of white-tailed deer in southeastern Texas. The authors found that female deer were feeding more often on short-duration pastures in the autumn and spring, while the continuous grazing resulted in more deer feeding in the winter and summer. This suggests that the pastures where deer are feeding more often are going to have less forage available, consequently increasing the stress level of the animals. Cohen et al. urged for the use of grazing systems that cause the least amount of stress during June and July, since female deer are lactating during this period. Further research is needed to determine the effects of grazing systems on the diets and energy demands of female deer during the summer.
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.