Plant species selection by free-ranging cattle in southern Bolivian tropical montane forests

Abstract

Abstract:The frequency of selection of functional groups and plant species by free-ranging cattle foraging in a diverse environment and its changes during the dry and the following prehumid seasons were investigated using direct observations and bite counting. The study was conducted at two sites in the Bolivian-Tucuman montane forests in southern Bolivia, by including datasets of a total of 16 animals. Across both study sites and the entire observation period (May to October/November), the cattle were found to select a broad spectrum of plant species from different functional groups. However, just a limited number of species made up a considerable contribution to overall plant selection. The functional group of the graminoids was selected most frequently, but their contribution to plant selection decreased significantly from 63.5% of total bites in May to 15.9% in September/October, in accordance with a decrease in availability. Selection of woody plants (shrubs and tree parts, the latter mainly in the form of leaf litter and fruits) increased with time, reaching its peak at the beginning of the prehumid season, while the herbs showed a curvilinear pattern of selection which was highest in August. Plant species belonging to the functional groups of ferns, climbers and epiphytes were also selected by the cattle, but generally at low relative proportions. Plant selection might be influenced by temporal differences in nutritional quality and availability of the preferred plant species and functional groups. Sampling behaviour seems to be the most likely reason for the inclusion of a broad range of plant species with overall low contribution to plant selection.

The cattle-ranching economy in the Bolivian Chaco during the 1800s

“…At the start of the dry season (April/May), the cattle were transferred to the montane forests until the rainfalls favored regrowth of the pastures; then, cattle were moved back to the grasslands (October/November). On the grasslands, criollo Chaqueño cattle were moved around between pastures during the annual cycle (BOTTANI CLAROS, 2020;MARQUARDT et al, 2010;MARTÍNEZ et al, 2012).…”

Effect of offering a multiple choice among Brazilian woody plants on intake and feeding behavior of experienced and inexperienced Santa Inês lambs

“…In the tropics and subtropics, when the dry season results in a sharp decline in the quantity and quality of grasses and herbs, additional feeds such as those offered by woody forages (leaf litter, shrubs and trees) are increasingly selected (Pfister and Malechek, 1986;Marquardt et al, 2010;Müller et al, 2012). However, woody plants in tropical regions often contain potentially detrimental substances such as PSM (AlonsoDíaz et al, 2010).…”

Forage resource use by cattle or goats at an Indian protected area: Differences and implications for conservation

“…Goats are reported to preferentially select trees and shrubs when available (Ouédraogo-Koné et al, 2006;Sanon et al, 2007;Sambraus, 1978). In contrast, cattle are known to be preferential grazers, although they may also feed on leaves of shrubs and trees when the preferred forage sources are absent (Marquardt et al, 2010;Sanon et al, 2007;Vallentine, 2001). The higher body weight of cattle leads to larger trampling and soil compaction damages on cattle pasture grounds compared to goats' pasture land (Greenwood and McKenzie, 2001;Troumbis, 2001;Willatt and Pullar, 1983).…”