Society for Range Management

Proceedings

Society for Range Management

67th Annual International Meeting

Orlando, Florida

February 8-13, 2014

MANAGING CRESTED WHEATGRASS WITHIN NATIVE RANGELANDS. Paul R. Drayton*; USDA Forest Service, Lemmon, SD

ABSTRACT

Prior to becoming the Grand River National Grasslands, thousands of acres were homesteaded and farmed in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Most of these acres were abandoned after the Dust Bowl and depression of the 1930’s. The blowing fields were stabilized by planting crested wheatgrass. Crested wheatgrass worked well for this, but left land managers with a difficult situation. Crested wheatgrass matures early in the summer and livestock soon avoid it, consequently causing excessive use on native grasses.Through the 1980’s and 90’s, infrastructure was added such as cross fencing and water developments, but crested wheatgrass was still being avoided and native grass was being over-utilized. In the summer of 2013, the Forest Service and permittees worked together to try and increase use on crested wheatgrass. By midsummer, crested wheatgrass utilization was <10% and native grasses had utilization levels >80%. In this talk, I will discuss the tools used and how we can work together to more effectively manage crested wheatgrass. Grazing crested wheatgrass requires intensive management to meet goals and objectives while maintaining current livestock numbers.

UNDERSTANDING PLANT SECONDARY COMPOUNDS IN GRAZING SYSTEMS; ABOVE AND BELOW GROUND. Andrea K. Clemensen*, Jennifer R. Reeve, Juan J. Villalba; Utah State University, Logan, UT

ABSTRACT

Plant secondary compounds (PSCs) can be vital to a sustainable agriculture system. PSCs help plants attract pollinators, recover from injury, protect from ultraviolet radiation, increase drought tolerance, and aid in defense against pathogens, diseases, and herbivores. Therefore it is important to understand what affects the fluctuations in concentration of PSCs, as well as the impact of these compounds on soil function. We determined 1) how plant diversity (monocultures vs. two-way mixtures) affects concentration of primary and secondary compounds, 2) how different management practices (animal impact vs. machine harvesting) affect soil quality, nutrient cycling, and PSC concentration, and 3) how cattle manure from different diets, containing different PSCs, influences soil characteristics. Endophyte-infected tall fescue (Schedonorus phoenix), saponin-containing alfalfa (Medicago sativa), and tannin-rich sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) were planted in strips of monocultures or two-way mixtures of grass-legume in a completely randomized block design with split-split plot. Cattle strip-grazed the plots from May to September, while similarly planted ungrazed treatments were hayed. Tall fescue, alfalfa, and sainfoin were analyzed for ergovaline, saponins, and extractable tannins, respectively. Soil fertility, microbial activity, and bulk density was measured in all plots. Manure from each diet (alfalfa/fescue and sainfoin/fescue) was freeze dried, incorporated into soil at two rates (1-cattle excretion at 3.74 kg dry manure/cow/day, and 2-upper rate of manure fertilization at 350 kg N/hafs) and incubated in the lab at 25°C for 8 weeks. Soil nitrate and enzyme activities were measured at 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, and 56 days. Dehydrogenase enzyme activity was greater in the upper rate than lower rate of manure fertilization (P < 0.05). The alfalfa diet induced greater dehydrogenase activity than the sainfoin diet, suggesting microbial inhibition from tannins. Further results, conclusions, and implications for management will be presented.

RANGELAND RESTORATION: A METHOD TO MITIGATE LUPINE-INDUCED CROOKED CALF SYNDROME ON THE CHANNELED SCABLANDS OF EASTERN WASHINGTON. Kip E. Panter*1, Kevin Jensen1, Clinton Stonecipher2, Blair Waldron3, Tom Platt4, Juan J. Villalba5; 1USDA, Logan, UT, 2USDA-ARS Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, Logan, UT, 3USDA-ARS Forage & Range Research Laboratory, Logan, UT, 4Washington State University Extension, Davenport, WA, 5Utah State University, Logan, UT

ABSTRACT

The Channeled Scablands of east-central Washington include over 2,000 square miles of rangeland important to livestock and wildlife grazing. Because of overgrazing in the past, frequent wildfires and historic range mismanagement, annual grasses and undesirable forbs have invaded most of this area degrading the value of the rangelands and interfering with optimum utilization. Some forbs are potentially poisonous to livestock; lupines are responsible for 1-5% annual losses because of “crooked calf syndrome” (CCS). Larger losses frequently occur on individual ranches and occasional catastrophic losses occur when lupine populations explode following above average rainfall. Restoration efforts using improved perennial grasses and selected forbs (forage kochia) will increase forage production and sustainability on these degraded rangelands. The objective of this study was to determine if improved or native cool-season perennial grasses and/or forage kochia could be established on the harsh landscape of the scablands, and if these improved species will compete with the annual grasses and provide a higher quality of feed to prevent cattle from grazing lupine in late summer. A plot study was set up with 8 treatments in 4 replications at 3 different ranches across a 25 mile transect within Adams County. The grass species included ‘Vavilov II’ Siberian wheatgrass (Agropyron fragile), ‘Bozoisky II’ Russian wildrye (Psathyrostachys juncea), ‘Hycrest II’ crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) and a native mix consisting of ‘Sherman’ Big bluegrass (Poa secunda), ‘Recovery’ western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), ‘Secar’ Snake River wheatgrass (Elymus wawawaiensis), and ‘Bannock’ Thickspike wheatgrass (Elymus lanceolatus). Three species of forage kochia, including Kochia prostrata, were used. Forage production was highest in the native mix early in the season (1899 kg/ha; p<0.01) with Vavilov II production increasing later in the season (2443 kg/ha; p<0.01). The establishment of the forage kochia was variable but demonstrated that this forb can be established in the Channeled Scablands.

PHENOLOGICAL CHANGES IN NUTRITIVE VALUE OF HONEY MESQUITE LEAVES, PODS AND FLOWERS. Piedad E. Mayagoitia*1, Derek W. Bailey1, Richard E. Estell2; 1New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, 2USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, Las Cruces, NM

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to examine changes in potential forage value of honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) throughout the year. During 2012, samples were obtained at approximately 2 week intervals from April to December in south-central New Mexico. Crude protein content of leaves decreased (P < 0.05) during the year from 25.4 to 10.8%, while acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) increased (P < 0.05) from 14.8% to 33.9% and 22.4% to 47.0%, respectively. Changes in these nutrients displayed cubic relationships over time with large changes in the spring and autumn and minimal changes in the summer. Crude protein content of pods decreased (P < 0.05) over time from 21.0% to 10.9%, but we did not detect any phenological changes in ADF (range of 19.0 to 34.1%) and NDF levels (range of 27.7 to 49.0%). A sample of mesquite flowers collected in May 2013 was evaluated for nutritive content. Mesquite flowers appear to be high quality forage with a crude protein content of 24.0% and ADF and NDF levels of 16.7 and 31.5%, respectively. We used in vitro gas production as an indicator of secondary compound impacts on forage value. Mesquite samples were mixed with dormant grass (Sporobolus spp.) in a 30:70 ratio. Rumen fluid was obtained from 4 cannulated cows fed beardless wheat hay. Rate of gas production was measured at 4 hour intervals for 48 hours. Rate of gas production of mesquite leaves varied (P < 0.05) among spring and autumn samples with greater initial rates in autumn samples. No phenological changes in rate of gas production were detected (P > 0.10) for mesquite pods. Honey mesquite has the potential to provide livestock forage with relatively high nutritive values from spring through autumn if animals can contend with any associated secondary compounds.

EFFECTS OF UNGULATE HERBIVORY - FOREST MANAGEMENT INTERACTIONS ON DECIDUOUS SHRUBS IN THE INTERIOR PACIFIC NORTHWEST. Bryan A. Endress*1, Michael J. Wisdom2, Martin Vavra2, Bridgett J. Naylor2, Timothy Delcurto3, Catherine Parks2, Brian L. Dick2; 1Institue for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, Escondido, CA, 2La Grande Forestry and Range Sciences Laboratory, USFS Pacific Northwest Research Station, La Grande, OR, 3Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Eastern Oregon Agriculture and Natural Resource Program, Oregon State University, La Grande, OR

ABSTRACT

Herbivory by domestic and wild ungulates exerts a strong influence on the composition and structure of plant communities. However, little is known regarding vegetation responses to different levels of ungulate browsing pressure. These effects are of particular interest in forest rangelands of western North America, where intensive herbivory by native and domestic ungulates has the potential to substantially reduce or eliminate deciduous, highly palatable species such as cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa), and willow (Salix spp.). Potential interactions of ungulate herbivory with episodic disturbances of silviculture, fire, and other land uses are not well documented, but are thought to operate synergistically to affect forest dynamics. We assessed the effect of variable browsing pressure by cattle and elk on shrubs in fuels treated (mechanical removal of fuels followed by prescribed burning) and non- fuels treated coniferous forest rangelands in the interior Pacific Norwest. Seven treatment paddocks (three with cattle exclusion and low, moderate and high elk browsing pressure, three with elk exclusion and low, moderate and high cattle browsing pressure, and one with both cattle and elk exclusion) were established at six sites, and individual shrub recruitment, growth, height and survival were monitored for six years. Results indicated that densities of deciduous species were >4 times higher in response to fuels reduction treatments (84 individuals/ha) compared to areas of no treatment (19 individuals/ha). Effects of browsing by cattle and elk on shrub height volume, growth, and survival were similar. However, elk, regardless of stocking density, browsed a significantly greater proportion of Populus and Salix individuals than cattle. Even at low stocking rates, elk browsed the vast majority of highly palatable shrub species particularly in fuels-treated stands.Effects on size, height, and survival will be presented. Results provide insight into factors influencing the abundance of these shrub species in forest rangelands and have implications for forest and ungulate management.

ASSOCIATION OF HIGH DENSITY GENETIC MARKERS AND TERRAIN USE IN BEEF COWS. Derek W. Bailey*1, Milton G. Thomas2, Juan F. Medrano3, Angela Canovas3, Gonzalo Rincon3, Steven Lunt1, Adrienne Lipka1, Mitchell B. Stephenson1; 1New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, 2Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 3University of California, Davis, Davis, CA

ABSTRACT

Genomic information and GPS tracking data were used to examine genetic influences on cattle grazing distribution. A total of 87 cows were tracked for 1 to 3 months in mountainous and/or extensive pastures at 5 ranches located in New Mexico, Arizona, and Montana. The Illumina Bovine SNPHD array, which evaluates approximately 770,000 genetic markers (i.e., single nucleotide polymorphisms; SNP) was used to genotype DNA from these cows. Tracking data were used to calculate terrain use indices based on normalized averages of slope use, elevation use, and distance travelled from water. A chromosome region associated with these traits is known as a quantitative trait locus (QTL). One genetic marker on chromosome 29 overlaid a gene that has been reported to be a factor in feeding behavior, appetite and locomotion. This locus accounted for 25% of the phenotypic variation in use of steep slopes and high elevations, while a QTL on chromosome 17 accounted for 21% of phenotypic variation. Additional QTL accounted for 5 and 10% of the variation in terrain use indices. Using results from the QTL analyses, a smaller 50 SNP panel was developed and used to evaluate the 87 cows tracked previously and an additional 73 cows from 4 ranches. With the 50-SNP panel analyses, multiple genetic markers near or within the gene identified on chromosome 29 were associated with indices of terrain use and accounted for 10 to 18% of the phenotypic variation. In addition, a marker on chromosome 4 accounted for 26% of the variation. Other QTL on chromosomes 8, 12 and 17 accounted for 8 to 16% of the phenotypic variation in terrain use indices. The associations between terrain use indices and multiple genetic markers near candidate genes clearly shows that cattle grazing distribution is inherited.

EFFECTS OF WOLF PRESENCE ON CATTLE OPERATIONS IN THE NORTHERN ROCKY MOUNTAINS. John Williams*1, Douglas E. Johnson2, Larry L. Larson3, Patrick E. Clark4, Neil Rimbey5; 1Oregon State University Extension Service, Enterprise, OR, 2Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 3Retired, LaGrande, OR, 4Agricultural Research Service, Boise, ID, 5University of Idaho, Caldwell, ID

ABSTRACT

Gray wolf reintroduction and dispersal into the Northern Rocky Mountains and surrounding regions has prompted questions, not only about increased cattle depredation losses, but also about this threat on cattle distribution patterns and losses from increased stress. Threatened cattle may shift preference from high-quality foraging sites to sites perceived as safer from wolf depredation, with a lesser regard for foraging conditions. It is likely these distribution shifts will adversely impact foraging efficiency, and coupled with the additional stress perhaps ultimately causing increased disease susceptibility, decreased calf weaning weights, poorer cow body condition, and lowered reproductive success. Our study evaluates wolf presence effects on cattle distribution and consequent impacts on productivity. A Before-After/Control-Impact Paired (BACIP) experimental design is used. Control study areas in Idaho (3) have high wolf presence while study areas in Oregon (3) are shifting from initially low to elevated wolf presence. Paired Idaho and Oregon areas have similar topography, vegetation composition, wild ungulate prey bases, and livestock management. Cows are tracked at 5-min intervals using GPS collars (10 per area) throughout the grazing season. Wolf presence is monitored by GPS and radio tracking, trail cameras, and scat surveys. High wolf presence can frequently expose cattle to potentially threatening interactions. Ten GPS-collared cattle in an Idaho study area encountered a GPS-collared wolf 783 times at less than 500m over the course of 137 days during the 2009 grazing season. Preliminary results of data analysis suggest considerable overlap exists between cattle and wolf preferred sites, shifts in cattle grazing patterns.

POCKET GRASSLAND STEPPE VEGETATION DIVERSITY RESPONSES TO A REINTRODUCED WOOD BISON HERD IN YUKON, CANADA. Lori Schroeder*1, Fiona Schmiegelow1, Edward Bork1, Tom Jung2; 1University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, 2Environment Yukon, Whitehorse, YT

ABSTRACT

Approximately 200 years after local extinction, Wood Bison were reintroduced into the southwest Yukon in the late 1980s as part of national recovery efforts. The Yukon population has subsequently increased from 34 to more than 1,100 animals, prompting concerns that bison may compete with other ungulates in the area, and alter pocket grasslands within the boreal forest (analogues of ice age steppe) that contain rare, endemic plant species. As a result, the Wood Bison Management Plan (2012) identifies grasslands as a focal point for vegetation monitoring. These grasslands resemble the short-grass steppe of the west-central United States, but in the Yukon they exist almost exclusively on semi-arid south-facing slopes. Under Milchunas' Generalized Model of Effects of Grazing by Large Herbivores, a decrease in diversity is expected under such conditions. Moreover, although Yukon grasslands have historically been subject to herbivory, the overall frequency and intensity of use remains unknown. In order to quantify the impact of bison on grassland composition and diversity, bison location (GPS) data, fecal samples, orthophotos, existing plant inventory data and consultation with Champagne and Aishihik First Nations were used. After surveying vegetation cover at 70 sites representing different levels of bison usage, preliminary results indicate that both richness and Shannon's Diversity Index increase with the level of bison use, and that forbs are the driver of that change. Further exploration of these results will inform ongoing management decisions and land use planning processes within the herd range and provide important information on an understudied and rare plant community believed to be analogous to Beringian Steppe communities.

SUSTAINABLE RANGELANDS ROUNDTABLE OVERVIEW. Kristie Maczko*1, John A. Tanaka2, William E. Fox III3; 1Sustainable Rangelands Roundtable - University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 2University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 3Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Temple, TX

ABSTRACT

The Sustainable Rangelands Roundtable (SRR) is an open, inclusive partnership process with a 13-yearhistory of developing economic, ecological and social criteria and indicators for rangeland assessment at multiple spatial scales. Criteria are broadstatements or categories that represent goals of sustainable development. Indicators are attributes thatcan be directly measured and assessed to detect changes and trends. The SRR also provides a forum for dialogue on rangeland sustainability. SRR participants envision a future in which rangelands are sustainably managed to provide a desiredmix of benefits. Participants include rangeland scientists and managers,ecologists, sociologists, economists, policy and legal experts, environmental advocates, and industryrepresentatives. Past SRR products are criteria and indicators to assess rangeland sustainability, an integrated concept for systematic evaluation of social, ecologicaland economic information, an assessment framework for rangelands ecosystem goods and services, and a ranch-level system for inventory and monitoring in the context of a rancher’s business plan. The Oregon Multi-Agency Pilot Project (MAPP) was an initial federal agency effort encouraged by SRR to look at integration of indicator information, using a merge of ecological data from two national monitoring platforms (USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service National Resource Inventory) with socio-economic information from sources like the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service and the US Census Bureau. Current and ongoing SRR efforts address energy development on rangelands and associated ecosystem services trade-offs, climate change assessment, sustainable ranch management, socio-economic aspects of public lands ranching, and evaluating sustainable rangelands contributions to food security. Building on outcomes of the Oregon MAPP to move toward a comprehensive national rangeland sustainability assessment continues to be an important focus. The most complex piece of each of these projects is effective evaluation and integration of socio-economic information to derive meaningful conclusions.