Cattle diets in a ponderosa pine forest in the northern Black Hills

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A cattle diet study was conducted in the northern Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming. Forty-eight plants were identified in cattle fecal material. Grasses in the feces averaged 54%, forbs 17%, and shrubs-trees 28% over the grazing season. Sedges (Carex spp.) and wheatgrass (Agropyron spp.) were the most abundant plants found in the feces throughout the season. Bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa), ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), and Oregon grape (Berberis repens) were common in the diet. Shrubs and trees made up 37% of the diet in September. Similarities and rank order correlations of diets with available forage were low in August, indicating that cattle were selectively grazing.

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Reference Code: A85URE01IDUS

Full Citation: Uresk, D. W., and W. W. Paintner. 1985. Cattle diets in a ponderosa pine forest in the northern Black Hills. Journal of Range Management 38(5): 440-442.

Location: PLANT EF: MUHLENBERGIA RACEMOSA