ARS | Publication request: Distribution of cattle grazing in a northeastern Oregon riparian pasture

Submitted to: Agricultural Experiment Station Publication
Publication Type: Experiment Station
Publication Acceptance Date: May 26, 2009
Publication Date: June 24, 2009
Citation: Wilson, K.D., Clark, P., Louhaichi, M., Johnson, M.D., DelCurto, T., Williams, J., Larson, L.L., Harris, N.R., Vavra, M., Ganskopp, D.C., Johnson, D.E. 2009. Distribution of Cattle Grazing in a Northeastern Oregon Riparian Pasture. In: Range Field Day 2009 Progress Report. Special Report 1092. June 2009. Corvallia, OR: Oregon State University, Agricultural Experiment Station. p. 15-24.

Technical Abstract: Livestock grazing of a northeastern Oregon riparian pasture was monitored using high-frequency GPS tracking of cattle and high-resolution aerial photography. Tracking collars recorded positions, velocity, date, and time at 1-sec intervals. Areas where animals rested and moved were identified and residence times calculated for various locations and plant communities in the pasture. Tracking collars performed well and data from 74 days of continuous 24-hour observation were compiled, more than 10 days of observation on 7 cows. Activity diagrams and daily travel distances were determined for each animal, as was preference for ecological sites. Maps that showed travel routes and stream crossing areas were also produced. Managerial implications of the collected information are discussed.