ARS | Publication request: Targeted grazing of one seed juniper saplings with small ruminants: Influence of stocking density and mixed grazing in summer and spring

Submitted to: Western Regional Research Project Annual Report
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: June 1, 2008
Publication Date: June 15, 2008
Citation: Utsumi, S.A., Cibils, A.F., Estell, R.E., Walker, J. 2008. Targeted grazing of one seed juniper saplings with small ruminants: Influence of stocking density and mixed grazing in summer and spring. Western Extension, Research and Academic Coordinating Committee( WERA 039) Annual Report, Chico Hot Springs, Montana. p. 49.

Technical Abstract: A study was conducted to examine the potential for targeted grazing of one seed juniper saplings with small ruminants. A 2x2 factorial design was used consisting of targeted grazing application with sheep and goats at two stocking densities in spring and summer. Ten female goats or five goats plus four ewes were placed on 10x10 m plots for 1 day (high density treatment) or 20x30 m plots for 6 days (low density treatment) with 2 replicates per treatment per season. Stocking rate for both treatments was 1.1 AU/ha/yr. Time spent feeding on juniper and utilization of herbaceous vegetation did not differ between seasons. Goats spent more time feeding on juniper in the high density stocking treatment vs low density, although differences were greater in mixed species plots (34.4 vs 17.7%) than in plots with only goats (28.2 vs 22.2%). Utilization of herbaceous vegetation was greater in low vs high density stocking (67.0 vs 59.6; P = 0.05), and for mixed vs single species grazing (69.8 vs56.9); P < 0.01). Targeted grazing at high stocking density with sheep and goats may be a tool for increasing juniper use by goats. Low density grazing appears to encourage selective grazing and more intense utilization of the understory.