This review examined grazing systems and their effects from the Edwards Plateau region in Texas. Grazing systems based on the rotation of livestock with periodic grazing and resting of pastures represent only a part of grazing management. For short duration grazing management in the Edwards Plateau, Taylor recommends the following: 1) stocking rates should not be increased due to implementation of short-duration grazing. 2) Long grazing cycles, for example, a high-intensity, low-frequency system with about a 100-day cycle length, should be used during the major part of the growing season, mid-April to mid-September. 3) Short-duration grazing strategies with a cycle length of about 50 days should be used from mid-September until mid-January. Taylor concludes that livestock production generally is not significantly different between intensive and nonintensive grazing systems. Grazing systems are a minor component of grazing management. Taylor believes they should be left to the final and not initial stage of ranch planning. Grazing systems should be implemented to facilitate the goals and objectives of resource managers.
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.