By Scout Nelson
Targeted livestock grazing is a strategic approach where grazing animals are used at specific times, intensities, and durations to manage vegetation and landscapes. This method is crucial in regions like western Nebraska and eastern Wyoming, where cheatgrass has become a pervasive issue.
Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) is a non-native annual grass that poses significant threats to native rangelands due to its aggressive growth patterns. It begins its growth in fall, continues through early spring, and competes with native perennial grasses for water and nutrients. This competition can displace native species and undermine ecosystem stability.
From 2017 to 2020, the USDA-ARS and the UNL Panhandle Research, Extension, and Education Center conducted research to explore how cattle grazing can be optimized to control cheatgrass effectively.
This project tracked the consumption of cheatgrass by cattle, using fecal DNA analysis to determine the specific periods when cattle preferred to graze on cheatgrass. The research also utilized GPS collars to monitor cattle movement in relation to cheatgrass density.
The findings revealed that cattle prefer cheatgrass most when it reaches at least 3.5 inches in height, typically during a 38-day period in May and June. This preference decreases once the cheatgrass seeds mature, leading cattle to graze more on native grasses.
Early season targeted grazing was shown to reduce cheatgrass seed production by 38% to 77%, depending on the year and location, thus significantly decreasing its spread.
The study highlights that targeted grazing not only helps manage cheatgrass but also provides high-quality forage for livestock during early spring. This dual benefit makes targeted grazing a compelling strategy for livestock producers aiming to utilize cheatgrass's nutritive value while mitigating its spread.
As cheatgrass continues to challenge land management in the western Great Plains, incorporating targeted grazing into grazing plans presents a promising solution to enhance both agricultural productivity and ecological health.
Photo Credit -usda
Categories: Nebraska, Livestock