Grazing Preferences of Cattle in Regenerating Aspen Forest

Abstract

The relative preferences of cattle for the major plant species in regenerating aspen (Pop&s tremuloides) forest following burning were studied to assist in developing strategies for controlling aspen regrowth by grazing with cattle. The tendency of cattle to graze forest rather than grassland increased as grasses matured towards the end of the growing season. Within the forest, cattle preferred herbaceous species when they were present. Of the shrub species, generally wild rose (Rosa spp.) and wild raspberry (Rubus strigosus) were preferred over aspen but aspen was preferred over westem snowberry (Symphoricarpos occidentalis). Aspen was grazed more readily late in the season than early. Similarly western snowberry, which was of consistently low acceptability, was relatively more acceptable late in the season. Cattle readily consumed wild raspberry in both years and both seasons. Wild rose was accepted early in the season in both years but was less preferred late in the season when it had relatively more woody growth. Since aspen (Populus tremuloides) forest provides very little useful fodder for beef cattle, the carrying capacity of ranches that support areas of forest may be increased by replacing the forest with grassland. Following initial clearing operations such as clear cutting or burning, large numbers of new aspen suckers regenerate (Sampson 1919, Berry 1973, Perala 1979) but generally cattle consume very little of this material. Many beef producers consider that the foliage of aspen suckers is unpalatable to cattle, yet aspen Authors are research agronomist,

Responses of Shrub Midstory and Herbaceous Layers to Managed Grazing and Fire in a North American Savanna (Oak Woodland) and Prairie Landscape

“…density and height in both the woodlands and the prairies. Similarly, Fitzgerald et al (1986) and Bailey et al (1990) found that Rubus spp. were favored cattle browse within regenerating aspen forest.…”

Beyond the obvious impact of domestic livestock grazing on temperate forest vegetation – A global review

“…For example, snowberry (Symphoricarpos sp.) unpalatable in early season, became more acceptable later on, when alternative forage was unavailable (Fitzgerald et al, 1986). Cattle preferred the forest in spring and end of summer, and autumn , while goats preferred woody vegetation in spring .…”

“…Large herbivore grazing reduces the cover and height of Rubus spp., while removal of grazing results in significantly higher Rubus cover than in grazed areas. Fitzgerald et al, 1986; Grazing has a negative impact on the palatable Hyacinthoides non-scripta. The abundance and/or frequency of species highly preferred by cattle, like Fagus orientalis seedlings or Vicia crocea is reduced.…”

Integrating production functions of timber, forage, and cattle to achieve sustainable resource management.

“…The abundance of seasonally preferred plant species have also been shown to influence the patterns of plant community use (Senft et al 1985). Also, the tendency of cattle to graze forest rather than grassland will increase as grasses mature toward the end of the growing season (Fitzgerald et al 1986). Within the forest, cattle will prefer herbaceous species when they are present (Fitzgerald et al 1986).…”

“…Also, the tendency of cattle to graze forest rather than grassland will increase as grasses mature toward the end of the growing season (Fitzgerald et al 1986). Within the forest, cattle will prefer herbaceous species when they are present (Fitzgerald et al 1986). …”