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1 January 2008 Method of Supplementation May Affect Cattle Grazing Patterns
Derek W. Bailey, Delyn Jensen
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Abstract

Supplement placement can be used to manipulate livestock grazing patterns. The objective of this case study was to compare the effect of low-moisture blocks (LMB) and range cake (barley-based cylindrical cubes, 2 cm in diameter, and 2 to 8 cm long) supplementation on cattle grazing patterns in Montana foothill rangeland. One group of nonlactating cows (n  =  79) was fed cake 3 times per week (1.8 kg · cow−1 · feeding−1), and the other group (n  =  81) had continuous access to LMB in separate pastures using a crossover design. Movement patterns of cows were recorded with global positioning system collars during four periods (2 wk · period−1) during autumn. Range cake was fed on accessible areas, and LMB were placed in higher and steeper terrain. Intake of LMB averaged (mean ± SE) 318 ± 50 g · d−1. Cows fed LMB (8.07° ± 0.20°) were observed on steeper slopes (P  =  0.08) than cows fed range cake (6.96° ± 0.19°). Forage utilization decreased as slope increased to a greater degree when range cake was fed than when LMB was fed (P  =  0.001). Cows spent more time (P  =  0.05) within 100 m of LMB (274 ± 23 min · d−1) than at range cake feeding sites (67 ± 24 min · d−1). Strategic placement of LMB on high, steep terrain appears to be a more practical and effective approach than traditional hand-feeding range cake on intermediate terrain to improve uniformity of cattle grazing on rugged rangeland.

Derek W. Bailey and Delyn Jensen "Method of Supplementation May Affect Cattle Grazing Patterns," Rangeland Ecology and Management 61(1), 131-135, (1 January 2008). https://doi.org/10.2111/06-167.1
Received: 2 December 2006; Accepted: 1 October 2007; Published: 1 January 2008
KEYWORDS
distribution
low-moisture blocks
range cake
utilization
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