Progress 05/01/07 to 04/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience: Ranchers, private landowners, college students, government officials, government agencies, and the general public. Changes/Problems: This project is complete. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Information from this project has been used in numerous extension training programs and professional conference to provide information to landowners regarding brush management, grazing management, and the use of prescribed fire. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Information has been presented to the public mostly through numerous extension programs, experiment station field days, and professional society conferences which educate landowners regarding brush management, grazing management and the use of prescribed fire. Information has also been presented through participation in the “Academy for Ranch Management” – a school to educate landowners on the ecological principles needed to manage their rangelands. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Continue the selective breeding to improve the monoterpene tolerance in goats.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
In the context of understanding targeted woody plant species response to prescribed fire/browsing factors, and understanding fire behavior under extreme conditions, research activities will address the following objectives: 1) Develop methods for managing livestock to create and maintain fire-lines and fire-breaks for prescribed burns conducted under dry fuel conditions. Projects under this objective will develop procedures for safely burning under dry fuel conditions when 1-hr time lag fuel moisture is less than 6 percent. 2) Develop guidelines for managing goat and white-tailed deer browsing as a follow-up to prescribed burns without harming wildlife habitat. Projects under this objective will evaluate the use of small ruminants to precondition deer browse following fire and improve songbird habitat. Prescriptions for the use of livestock and prescribed fire have been developed to mitigate wildfire hazards and improve the application of prescribed fire. Guidelines have been developed to improve wildlife habitat with the combination of prescribed fire and livestock. Goats with high tolerance to monoterpenes were identified and selectively bred for this trait. Since juniper poses major economic and ecological problems in managing Edwards Plateau rangelands, these goats will offer a cost-effective and sustainable method to manage this noxious brush problem, especially when used in combination with prescribed fire. Strategies were also developed to manage volatile fuels through the combined use of goats and prescribed fire.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Toledo, D., U.P. Kreuter, M.G. Sodrice, and C.A. Taylor Jr. 2014. The role of prescribed burn associations in the application of prescribed fires in rangeland ecosystems. Journal of Environmental Management 132: 323-328.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Taylor, C.A., Jr., 2014. How did we lose our fire culture in West Texas? Ranch & Rural Living. February Issue, 20-23.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Cantu, L.W. and C.A. Taylor, Jr. 2014. Fire: The prescribed burn. Texas Wildlife. October Issue, 22-23.
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Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience includes commercial ranchers, private landowners, college students, government officials, government agencies, and the general public who are involved with agricultural and environmental issues. Changes/Problems: Patch burning will be included in the experimental treatments to improve the efficiency of goats and fire in managing juniper. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Information from this project has been used in numerous extension training programs and professional conferences. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The information has been presented to the public mostly through extension programs, experiment station field days, and professional society conferences. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Continue the selective breeding to improve the monoterpene tolerance in goats.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Prescriptions for the use of livestock and prescribed fire have been developed to mitigate wildfire hazards and improve the application of prescribed fire. Guidelines have been developed to improve wildlife habitat with the combination of prescribed fire and livestock. Goats with high tolerance to monoterpenes were identified and selectively bred for this trait. The result of this discovery has resulted in a breeding line of goats that voluntarily consume large quantities of juniper in a free-ranging setting. Because juniper poses major economic and ecological problems in managing Edwards Plateau rangelands, these goats will offer a cost-effective and sustainable method to manage this noxious brush problem, especially when used in combination with prescribed fire. Strategies were also developed to manage volatile fuels through the combined use of goats and prescribed fire.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Taylor, C.A., D. Twidwell, N.E. Garza, C. Rosser, J.K. Hoffman, and T.D. Brooks. 2012. Long-term effects of fire, livestock herbivory removal, and weather variability in Texas Semiarid Savanna. Rangeland Ecol Manage 65:21-30.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Twidwell, D., C.L. Wonkka, C.A. Taylor, C.B. Zou, J.J. Twidwell and W.E. Rogers. 2013. Drought induced woody plant mortality in an encroached semi-arid savanna depends on topoedaphic factors and land management. Applied Vegetation Science (1-11).
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Twidwell, D., W.E. Rogers, S.D. Fuhlendorf, C.L. Wonkka, D.M. Engle, J.R. Weir, U.P. Kreuter, and C.A. Taylor. 2013. The rising Great Plains fire campaign: citizens response to woody plant encroachment. Front Ecol Environ 11(online issue): e64-e71.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Adams, R.P., C.A. Taylor, T.R. Whitney, W.C. Stewart, and J.P. Muir. 2013. Goats and deer do not use terpenoids to select or avoid browsing on Juniperus pinchotii Sudw. Trees. Phytologia 95(3) (238-245).
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Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The following objectives outline an overarching research framework in which field experiments will be planned to address interrelated key questions. In the context of understanding targeted woody plant species response to prescribed fire/browsing factors, and understanding fire behavior under extreme conditions, research activities will address the following objectives: Objective one will develop methods for managing livestock to create and maintain fire-lines and fire-breaks for prescribed burns conducted under dry fuel conditions when 1-hour time-lag fuel moisture is less than 6 percent. Objective two will develop guidelines for managing goat and white-tailed deer browsing as a follow-up to prescribed burns without harming wildlife habitat. Objective three will determine the factorial combinations of smoke, heat, and cold treatment effects on seed germination of important woody plants. PARTICIPANTS: Taylor, C.A., Jr. Research Station Superintendent and Professor - Grazing management and fire ecology, Texas AgriLife Research - Sonora. Kothmann, M.M. Professsor - Ecosystem Science and Management, Texas AgriLife Research - College Station. Whitney, T.R. Assistant Professor - Ruminant Nutrition, Texas AgriLife Research - San Angelo. Garza, N.E., Research Associate, Texas AgriLife Research - Sonora. TARGET AUDIENCES: Audiences include individual ranchers, federal and state agencies involved in agriculture and environmental issues. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Information from this research will increase the use of prescribed fire on Edwards Plateau rangelands. The integration of prescribed fire and livestock has provided an effective, sustainable method to manage noxious brush as well as manage volatile fuel loads and reduce wild fire damage.
Publications
- Allred, B.W., Fuhlendorf, S.D., Smeins, F.E., and Taylor, Jr., C.A. 2012. Herbivore species and grazing intensity regulate community composition and an encroaching woody plant in semi-arid rangeland. Basic and Applied Ecology. 13:149-158.
- Toledo, D., Kreuter, U.P., Sorice, M.G., and Taylor, Jr. C.A. 2012. To burn or not to burn: Balancing ecological restoration, ranch economics, and liability concerns. Rangelands 34(2): 18-23.
- Adams, R.P., Muir, J.P., Taylor, Jr., C.A., and Whitney, T.R. 2012. Differences in chemical composition between browsed and non-browsed juniperus ashei Buch. Trees. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology. 46:73-76.
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Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The following objectives outline an overarching research framework in which field experiments will be planned to address interrelated key questions. In the context of understanding targeted woody plant species response to prescribed fire/browsing factors, and understanding fire behavior under extreme conditions, research activities will address the following objectives: Objective one will develop methods for managing livestock to create and maintain fire-lines and fire-breaks for prescribed burns conducted under dry fuel conditions when 1-hour time-lag fuel moisture is less than 6 percent. Objective two will develop guidelines for managing goat and white-tailed deer browsing as a follow-up to prescribed burns without harming wildlife habitat. Objective three will determine the factorial combinations of smoke, heat, and cold treatment effects on seed germination of important woody plants. PARTICIPANTS: Taylor, C.A., Jr. Research Station Superintendent and Professor - Grazing management and fire ecology, Texas AgriLife Research - Sonora. Kothmann, M.M. Professsor - Ecosystem Science and Management, Texas AgriLife Research - College Station. Whitney, T.R. Assistant Professor - Ruminant Nutrition, Texas AgriLife Research - San Angelo. Garza, N.E., Research Associate, Texas AgriLife Research - Sonora. Rosser, C. Research Assistant, Texas AgriLife Research - Sonora. TARGET AUDIENCES: Audiences include individual ranchers, federal and state agencies involved in agriculture and environmental issues. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Information from this research will increase the use of prescribed fire on Edwards Plateau rangelands. The integration of prescribed fire and livestock has provided an effective, sustainable method to manage noxious brush as well as manage volatile fuel loads and reduce wild fire damage.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The following objectives outline an overarching research framework in which field experiments will be planned to address interrelated key questions. In the context of understanding targeted woody plant species response to prescribed fire/browsing factors, and understanding fire behavior under extreme conditions, research activities will address the following objectives: Objective one will develop methods for managing livestock to create and maintain fire-lines and fire-breaks for prescribed burns conducted under dry fuel conditions when 1-hour time-lag fuel moisture is less than 6 percent. Objective two will develop guidelines for managing goat and white-tailed deer browsing as a follow-up to prescribed burns without harming wildlife habitat. Objective three will determine the factorial combinations of smoke, heat, and cold treatment effects on seed germination of important woody plants. PARTICIPANTS: Taylor, C.A., Jr. Research Station Superintendent and Professor - Grazing Management and Fire Ecology, Texas AgriLife Research - Sonora. Kothmann, M.M. Professsor - Ecosystem Science and Management, Texas AgriLife Research - College Station. Whitney, T.R. Assistant Professor - Ruminant Nutrition, Texas AgriLife Research - San Angelo. Garza, N.E., Research Associate, Texas AgriLife Research - Sonora. Rosser, C. Research Assistant, Texas AgriLife Research - Sonora. TARGET AUDIENCES: Audiences include individual ranchers, federal and state agencies involved in agriculture and environmental issues. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Information from this research will increase the use of prescribed fire on Edwards Plateau rangelands. The integration of prescribed fire and livestock has provided an effective, sustainable method to manage noxious brush as well as manage volatile fuel loads and reduce wild fire damage.
Publications
- Dietz, T.H., C.B. Scott, C.B., Owens, C.J., Campbell, E.S., and Taylor, Jr., C.A. (2010). Feeding Redberry Juniper (Juniperus pinchottii) at Weaning Increases Juniper Consumption on Pasture. Rangeland Ecology and Management, 63: 366-372.
- Campbell, E.J., Frost, R.A., Mosley, T.K., Mosley, J.C., Lupton, C.J., Taylor, Jr., C.A., Walker, J.W., Waldron, D.F., and Musser J. (2010). Pharmacokinetic Differences in Exposure to Camphor Following Oral Dosing in Selectively Bred Lines of Goats J. Anim. Sci., 88: 2620-2626.
- Hinnant, R.T. and Taylor, Jr., C.A. 2010). Edwards Plateau Prescribed Burn Association Handbook and Journal. Texas AgriLife Research, Sonora, TX. 70 pp.
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Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The following objectives outline an overarching research framework in which field experiments will be planned to address interrelated key questions. In the context of understanding targeted woody plant species response to prescribed fire/browsing factors, and understanding fire behavior under extreme conditions, research activities will address the following objectives: Objective one will develop methods for managing livestock to create and maintain fire-lines and fire-breaks for prescribed burns conducted under dry fuel conditions when 1-hour time-lag fuel moisture is less than 6 percent. Objective two will develop guidelines for managing goat and white-tailed deer browsing as a follow-up to prescribed burns without harming wildlife habitat. Objective three will determine the factorial combinations of smoke, heat, and cold treatment effects on seed germination of important woody plants. PARTICIPANTS: Taylor, C.A. Research Station Superintendent and Professor - Grazing Management and Fire Ecology, Texas AgriLife Research Station - Sonora. Kothmann, M.M. Professor - Ecosystem Science and Management, Texas AgriLife Research - College Station. Whitney, T.R. Assistant Professor - Ruminant Nutrition, Texas AgriLife Research - San Angelo. Garza, N.E. Research Associate, Texas AgriLife Research Station - Sonora. Rosser, C. Research Assistant, Texas AgriLife Research Station - Sonora. TARGET AUDIENCES: Audiences include individual ranchers, federal and state agencies involved in agriculture and environmental issues. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: None.
Impacts
Information from this research will increase the use of prescribed fire on Edwards Plateau rangelands. The integration of prescribed fire and livestock has provided an effective, sustainable method to manage noxious brush as well as manage volatile fuel loads and reduce wild fire damage.
Publications
- Twidwell, D., S.D. Fuhlendorf, D.M. Engle, C.A. Taylor, Jr. 2009. Surface fuel sampling strategies: linking fuel measurements with fire effects. Rangeland Ecology and Management 63:223-229.
- Lupton, C. J., E. S. Campbell, B. S. Engdahl, T. D. Lovett, F. A. Pfeiffer, C. A. Taylor, Jr., D. F. Waldron, and J. W. Walker. 2009. Selecting Angora goats to consume more juniper. Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems J. 11:59-64.
- Waldron, D.F., C.A. Taylor, Jr., J.W. Walker, E.S. Campbell, C.J. Lupton, T.D. Willingham, and S.Y. Landau. 2009. Heritability of juniper consumption in goats. J Anim Sci 87:491-495.
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The following objectives outline an overarching research framework in which field experiments will be planned to address interrelated key questions. In the context of understanding targeted woody plant species response to prescribed fire/browsing factors, and understanding fire behavior under extreme conditions, research activities will address the following objectives: Objective one will develop methods for managing livestock to create and maintain fire-lines and fire-breaks for prescribed burns conducted under dry fuel conditions when 1-hour time-lag fuel moisture is less than 6 percent. Objective two will develop guidelines for managing goat and white-tailed deer browsing as a follow-up to prescribed burns without harming wildlife habitat. Objective three will determine the factorial combinations of smoke, heat, and cold treatment effects on seed germination of important woody plants. PARTICIPANTS: Participants in this project are: N.E. Garza, Senior Research Associate, Sonora J. Epperson, Research Technician, Barnhart C. Rosser, Research Technician, Sonora TARGET AUDIENCES: Audiences include individual ranchers, federal and state agencies involved in agriculture and environmental issues. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Information from this research will increase the use of prescribed fire on Edwards Plateau rangelands. The integration of prescribed fire and livestock has provided an effective, sustainable method to manage noxious brush as well as manage volatile fuel loads and reduce wild fire damage.
Publications
- Kreuter, U.P., Woodard, J.B., Taylor, Jr., C.A., and Teague, W.R. 2008. Perceptions of Texas landowners regarding fie and its use. Rangeland Ecology & Management. 61:456-464.
- Taylor, Jr., C.A. 2008. Ecological consequences of Using prescribed fire and herbivory to manage Juniperus encroachment. In: O.W. Van Auken (ed). Western North American Juniperus Communities. Chapt. 13: 239-252. Springer.
- Fuhlendorf, S.D., Archer, S.A., Smeins, F.E., Engle, D.M., and Taylor, Jr., C.A. 2008. The combined influence of grazing, fire, and herbaceious productivity on tree-grass interactions. In: O.W. Van Auken (ed). Western North American Juniperus Communities. Chapt. 12: 219-237. Springer.
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The following objectives outline an overarching research framework in which field experiments will be planned to address interrelated key questions. In the context of understanding targeted woody plant species response to prescribed fire/browsing factors, and understanding fire behavior under extreme conditions, research activities will address the following objectives: Objective one will develop methods for managing livestock to create and maintain fire-lines and fire-breaks for prescribed burns conducted under dry fuel conditions. Projects under this objective will develop procedures for safely burning under dry fuel conditions when 1-hour time-lag fuel moisture is less than 6 percent. Objective two will develop guidelines for managing goat and white-tailed deer browsing as a follow-up to prescribed burns without harming wildlife habitat. Projects under this objective will evaluate the use of small ruminants to precondition deer browse following fire and improve songbird
habitat. Objective three will determine the factorial combinations of smoke, heat, and cold treatment effects on seed germination of important woody plants. Projects under this objective will evaluate the effects of smoke, smoke bi-products, heat, and cold treatments on breaking seed dormancy.
PARTICIPANTS: N.E. Garza - Senior Research Associate - Texas AgriLife Research at Sonora E.J. Campbell - Post-Doc Research Associate - Texas AgriLIfe Research at Sonora M.M. Kothmann - Professor Texas A&M University, Dept. Ecosystem Science and Management.
TARGET AUDIENCES: Target Audiences include individual ranchers, federal and state agencies involved in agriculture and environmental issues.
Impacts
Information from this research will increase the use of prescribed fire on Edwards Plateau rangelands. A prescribed burning association (Edwards Plateau Prescribed Burning Association, Inc.) has been established to allow land owners to pool their labor, equipment and experience when conducting prescribed fires. Over 450 land owners who represent over 1-million acres of rangeland are now members of the association. The integration of prescribed fire and goats has provided an effective, sustainable method to manage noxious brush.
Publications
- Campbell, E.S., and Taylor, C.A., Jr. 2007. Monoterpene production in redberry juniper foliage following fire. Journal of Rangeland Ecol and Manage 60:104-109.
- Campbell, E.S., Taylor, C.A., Jr., Walker, J.W., Lupton, C.J., Waldron, D.F. Waldron, Landau, S.Y. 2007. Effects of supplementation on juniper intake by goats. Rangeland Ecol Manage 60:588-595.
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
Redberry juniper (Juniperus Pinchotti) and ashe juniper (juniperus ashei) cause major ecological and economic problems throughout much of Texas. These juniper species reduce livestock carrying capacity and wildlife habitat and increase volatile fire fuel loads. Juniper foliage is laden with volatile plant chemicals called monoterpenes that reduce its digestibility and can cause liver damage in livestock. However, goats have a natural ability to digest and detoxify juniper foliage, so they can be used to manage juniper. Goats in combination with the use of prescribed fire have the potential to provide a cost-effective method of controlling juniper. Both summer and winter fires are being evaluated to determine their effects on noxious plants as well as more desirable vegetation. Results indicate that summer fires are more effective in controlling juniper than winter fires. The combination of fire and goats has proven to be the most cost effective method to manage these
noxious plants compared to chemical and mechanical treatments. Selective breeding of terpenoid tolerance in goats is currently being evaluated and the heritability estimates of this trait range from 30 to 40%.
Impacts
Information from this research has increased the use of prescribed fire on Edwards Plateau rangelands. A prescribed burning association (Edwards Plateau Prescribed Burning Association, Inc.) has been established to allow land owners to pool their labor, equipment and experience when conducting prescribed fires. Over 300 land owners who represent over 1-million acres of rangeland are now members of the association. The integration of prescribed fire and goats has provided an effective, sustainable method to manage noxious brush.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
Long-term excessive livestock grazing in the western Region of the Edwards Plateau of Texas has fire-proofed much of the rangeland which has resulted in an increase of noxious plants, especially ashe (Juniperus ashei) and redberry juniper (J. Pinchotti) and prickly pear (Opuntia sp.). Both summer and winter fires are being evaluated to determine their effects on noxious plants as well as more desirable vegetation. Results indicate that summer fires are more effective in controlling juniper and prickly pear than winter fires. Research is also investigating the feasibility of breeding a super juniper-eating goat to aid in the management of juniper-infested rangelands. A combination of fire and goats can be a cost effective method to manage these noxious plants. Goats are known to be most tolerant of all ungulate species of the high terpeniod contents of the foliage. Selective breeding of terpenoid tolerance in goats is currently being evaluated.
Impacts
Information from this research has increased the use of prescribed fire on Edwards Plateau rangelands. A prescribed burning association (Edwards Plateau Prescribed Burning Association, Inc.) has been established to allow land owners to pool their labor, equipment and experience when conducting prescribed fires. Over 200 land owners, who represent approximately 750,000 acres of rangeland, are now members of the association. The integration of prescribed fire and goats have provided an effective, sustainable method to manage noxious brush.
Publications
- Taylor, C.A. 2005. Prescribed burning cooperatives: empowering and equipping ranchers to manage rangelands. Rangelands. February Issue.
- Taylor, C.A., 2004. (August 10-12). Role of summer prescribed burning to manage shrublands and shrub invaded grasslands. Thirteenth Wildland Shrub Symposium. Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX.
- Taylor, C.A., Jr. 2003. Rangeland monitoring and fire: wildfires and prescribed burning, nutrient cycling, and plant succession. Arid Land Research and Management 17: 429-438.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
The semi-arid rangelands of the Edwards Plateau of Texas are strongly patterned into assemblages of liveoak, shinoak, and mesquite. Interspersed within this woody plant assemblage, and across the landscape, are varying amounts of redberry and Ashe juniper as well as other minor woody species and prickly pear. Over time the increase in these woody plants have reduced the livestock carrying capacity, decreased wildlife habitat, decreased water yield, increased erosion, increased labor costs associated with problems of livestock management and a loss in biodiversity. Seasonal prescribed fire (both warm and cool-season), mechanical treatment (roller chopping), and biological (goats) are being evaluated to determine their effects on noxious plants was well as more desirable vegetation. Preliminary results indicate that summer fires are more effective in managing juniper and prickly pear than winter fires. A combination of fire and goats may be the most cost-effective and
sustainable method to manage juniper and prickly pear on Edwards Plateau rangelands. Goats are known to be the most tolerant of all ungulate species of the high terpenoid contents of juniper foliage. Selective breeding of terpenoid tolerance in goats is currently being evaluated.
Impacts
Information from this research has increased the use of prescribed fire on Edwards Plateau rangelands. A prescribed burning association (Edwards Plateau Prescribed Burning Association, Inc.) has been established to allow landowners to pool their labor, equipment and experience when conducting prescribed fires. Over 200 landowners who represent over 700,000 acres of rangeland are now members of the association. The integration of prescribed fire and goats have provided an effective, sustainable method to manage noxious brush.
Publications
- Taylor, C.A., Jr. 2003. Grazing management and prescribed fire increase rangeland productivity. In: Ken Clearley (ed). Proceedings of a Symposium on Ranching Aimed at Wildlife Habitat Improvement and Diversification of Enterprises. Abilene and Alpine, TX. p. 89-97.
- Guo, J., Zhang, Z., Edwards, J.F., Ermel, R.W., Taylor, Jr., C.A., and de la Concha-Bermejillo, A. 2003. Characterization of a North American orf virus isolated from a goat with persistent, proliferative dermatitis. Elsevier. Virus Research 93:169-179.
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
Long-term excessive livestock grazing in the western Region of the Edwards Plateau of Texas has fire-proofed much of the rangeland which has resulted in an increase of noxious plants, especially ashe (Juniperus ashei) and redberry juniper (J. Pinchotti) and prickly pear (Opuntia sp.). Both summer and winter fires are being evaluated to determine their effects on noxious plants as well as more desirable vegetation. Preliminary results indicate that summer fires are more effective in controlling juniper and prickly pear than winter fires. A combination of fire and goats can be a cost effective method to manage these noxious plants. Goats are known to be most tolerant of all ungulate species of the high terpeniod contents of the foliage. Selective breeding of terpenoid tolerance in goats is currently being evaluated.
Impacts
Information from this research has increased the use of prescribed fire on Edwards Plateau rangelands. A prescribed burning association (Edwards Plateau Prescribed Burning Association, Inc.) has been established to allow land owners to pool their labor, equipment and experience when conducting prescribed fires. Over 120 land owners who represent over 600,000 acres of rangeland are now members of the association. The integration of prescribed fire and goats have provided an effective, sustainable method to manage noxious brush.
Publications
- McMillian, Z., Scott, C.B., Taylor, Jr., C.A., and Huston, J.E. 2002. Nutritional quality and intake of prickly pear by goats. J. Range Manage. 55:139-143.
- Taylor, C.A., Jr., 2001. Summer fire for the western region of the Edwards Plateau: A case study. Texas Agricultural Experiment Station Technical Report 01-2. 23pp.
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
Long-term excessive livestock grazing in the western Region of the Edwards Plateau of Texas has fire-proofed much of the rangeland which has resulted in an increase of noxious plants, especially ashe (Juniperus ashei) and redberry juniper (J. Pinchotti) and prickly pear (Opuntia sp.). Both summer and winter fires are being evaluated to determine their effects on noxious plants as well as more desirable vegetation. Preliminary results indicate that summer fires are more effective in controlling juniper and prickly pear than winter fires. A combination of fire and goats can be a cost effective method to manage these noxious plants. Goats are known to be most tolerant of all ungulate species of the high terpeniod contents of the foliage. Selective breeding of terpenoid tolerance in goats is currently being evaluated.
Impacts
Information from this research has increased the use of prescribed fire on Edwards Plateau rangelands. A prescribed burning association (Edwards Plateau Prescribed Burning Association, Inc.) has been established to allow land owners to pool their labor, equipment and experience when conducting prescribed fires. Over 100 land owners who represent over 500,000 acres of rangeland are now members of the association. The integration of prescribed fire and goats have provided an effective, sustainable method to manage noxious brush.
Publications
- Bisson, M.G., Scott, C.B., Taylor, Jr., C.A. 2001. Activated charcoal and experience affect intake of juniper by goats. J. Range Manage. 54:274-278.
- Taylor, C.A., Jr. 2000. Biological management of noxious brush: A range specialist's viewpoint. In: D. Ueckert and A. McGinty, (ed). Rangeland weed and brush management: The Next Millennium. Pp. 55-66.
- Ansley, R.J. and Taylor, Jr. C.A. 2000. The future of fire as a tool for managing brush. In: D. Ueckert and A. McGinty, (ed). Rangeland Weed and Brush Management: The Next Millennium. Pp. 159-169.
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Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
Long-term fire suppression in the Edwards Plateau has caused a significant increase in undesirable woody plants, especially ashe (Juniperus ashei) and redberry juniper (J. pinchotti). Reduction of these undesirable woody plants would be a step toward increasing net forage production for livestock production, improving wildlife habitat, and increasing water yield and aquifer recharge. A combination of fire and goats can be a very cost effective method to solve a noxious brush problem. Goats are known to consume juniper and are perhaps the most tolerant of all ungulate species of the high terpenoid contents of the foliage. The purpose of this research project is to increase the efficiency of goat browsing to manage noxious brush and integrate this technology with prescribed fire. Preliminary studies have show that heritability of juniper consumption by goats has is approximately 25%. Selective breeding to shape foraging behavior has tremendous potential in developing
sustainable noxious brush management problems.
Impacts
Information from this research has prompted land owners to start using summer fire. A prescribed burning association has also been formed to allow land owners to pool their labor, equipment and experience when conducting prescribed fires. These activities coupled with the use of goats have provided an effective, sustainable method to manage noxious brush over thousands of acres of Edwards Plateau rangeland.
Publications
- Taylor, C.A., Jr., Garza, N.E., and Brooks, T.D. 2000. Germination and subsequent diet selection of Juniperus ashei and J. Pinchotii seedlings by Angora goats. Sheep and Goat, Wool and Mohair CPR 2000:74-80.
- McMillan, Z., Taylor, C.A., Jr., Scott, C.B., and J.E. Huston. 2000. Nutritional quality and intake of prickly pear by goats. Sheep and Goat, Wool and Mohair CPR 2000:65-73.
- de la Concha-Bermejillo, A., Ermel, R.W., Taylor, C.A., Jr., Zhang, M.Z., and Guo, J. 2000. Soremouth: The return of an old enemy. Sheep and Goat, Wool and Mohair CPR 2000:117-129.
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Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99
Outputs
Sustainable ranching in the Edwards Plateau region of Texas requires a cost-effective method of managing three noxious plant species. These include ashe juniper (Juniperus ashei), redberry juniper (Juniperus pinchotii) and various species of pricklypear (Opuntia sp.). Fire has proven to be an effective and economical tool in managing these species. Both winter and summer burns (multi-seasonal) are being implemented to measure the effects on these species as well as other vegetation, wildlife, livestock, and water yield. Development and application of an effective management program for juniper and pricklypear using fire requires an understanding between fire and grazing. A new principle of grazing management is proposed to develop a genotype of goat for the specific purpose of suppressing juniper. Goats are known to consume juniper and are perhaps the most tolerant of all ungulate species of the high terpenoid contents of the foliage. The primary approach used by
range managers to increase the consumption of undesirable plants is to increase stocking rates and force animals onto the low quality plants. However, we believe that with careful selection, breeding, and backgrounding we can create goats that have a lower ecological impact on rangeland because they choose to consume more juniper in their daily browsing. Our ultimate goal is to replace excessive stocking rates with modified diet selection to increase noxious plant consumption on rangeland.
Impacts
The application of these research results to Texas rangelands will increase water yield, livestock carrying capacity, wildlife habitat, and net income to ranchers.
Publications
- Thurow, T.L., and Taylor, Jr., C.A. 1999. Viewpoint: The role of drought in range management. J. Range Manage. 52:413-419.
- Riddle, R.R., Taylor, Jr., C.A., Huston, J.E., and Kothmann, M.M. 1999. Intake of ashe juniper and liveoak by angora goats. J. Range Manage. 52:161-165.
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Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98
Outputs
Sustainable ranching in the Edwards Plateau requires a cost-effective method of managing two species of juniper, ashe juniper (juniperus ashei) and redberry juniper (Juniperus pinchotii). Fire has proven to be an effective and economical tool in managing juniper. Both winter and summer burns (multi-seasonal) are being implemented to measure the effects on juniper as well as other vegetation, wildlife and water yield. Development and application of an effective management program for juniper using fire requires an understanding between fire and grazing. A new principle of grazing management is proposed to develop a genotype of goat for the specific purpose of suppressing juniper. Goats are known to consume juniper and are perhaps the most tolerant of all ungulate species of the high terpenoid contents of the foliage. The primary approach used by range managers to increase the consumption of undesirable plants, like juniper, is to increase stocking rates and force
animals onto the low quality plants. However, we believe that with careful selection, breeding, and backgrounding we can create goats that have a lower ecological impact on rangeland because they choose to consume more juniper in their daily browsing. Our goal is to replace excessive stocking rates with modified diet selection to increase juniper consumption on rangeland.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Owens, M.M., Lin, C.D., Taylor, Jr., C.A. and Whisenant, S.G. 1998. Seasonal patterns of plant flammability and monoterpenoid content in Juniperus ashei. J. Chem. Ecol. Vol. 24(12):2115-2129.
- Owens, M.M., Straka, E.J., Carroll, C.J. and Taylor, Jr., C.A. 1998. A comparison of techniques for extracting monoterpenoids from Juniperus (Cupressaceae) species. J. Range Manage. 51:540-544.
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Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97
Outputs
A new principle of grazing management is proposed to develop a genotype of goat for the specific purpose of suppressing a major pest (juniper) on Texas rangelands. Goats are known to consume juniper and are perhaps the most tolerant of all ungulate species of the high terpenoid contents of the foliage. The primary approach used by range managers to increase the consumption of undesirable plants, like juniper, is to increase stocking rates and force animals onto the low quality plants. Using excessive stocking rates to remove weedy plants sometimes leads to unintended damage to more desirable plants. We believe that with careful selection, breeding, and backgrounding we can create goats that have a lower ecological impact on rangeland because they chose to consume more juniper in their daily browsing. Our research has shown that we can select goats that consume large quantities of juniper. Furthermore, our research indicates that high juniper consumption is associated
with a greater liver capacity for processing juniper chemicals. Our goal is to replace excessive stocking rates with modified diet selection to increase juniper consumption on rangeland.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Launchbaugh, K.L., Taylor, C.A., Jr., Straka, E. and Pritz, R.E. 1997. Juniper as a forage: An unlikely candidate? Pp (7-3) -(7-9) In: C.A. Taylor, Jr. (Ed) 1997 Juniper Symposium, Texas A&M University Research & Extension Center, San Angelo, TX.
- Kothmann, M.M., Hinnant, R.T. and Taylor, C.A., Jr. 1997. The role of grazing management in overcoming juniper. Pp (7-11)-(7-18) In: C.A. Taylor, Jr. (Ed) 1997 Juniper Symposium, Texas A&M University Research & Extension Center, San Angelo, TX.
- Pritz, R.K., Launchbaugh, K.L. and Taylor, C.A., Jr., 1997. Effects of breed and dietary experience on juniper consumption by goats. J. Range Manage. 50:600-608.
- Taylor, C.A., Jr., Ralphs, M.H. and Kothmann, M.M. 1997. Technical Note: Vegetation response to increasing stocking rate under rotational stocking. J. Range Manage. 50: 439-442.
- Hester, J.W., Thurow, T.L. and Taylor, C.A., Jr. 1997. Hydrologic characteristics of vegetation types as affected by prescribed burning. J. Range Manage. 50:199-204.
- Taylor, C.A., Jr., Launchbaugh, K.L., Huston, J.E. and Straka, E. 1997. Improving the efficacy of goating for biological juniper management. 1997. Pp (5-17)-(5-22) In: C.A. Taylor, Jr. (Ed) 1997 Juniper Symposium, Texas A&M University Research & Extension Center, San Angelo, TX.
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Progress 01/01/96 to 12/30/96
Outputs
A new principle of grazing management is proposed to develop a genotype of goat for the specific purpose of suppressing a major pest (juniper) on Texas rangelands. Goats are known to consume juniper and are perhaps the most tolerant of all ungulate species of the high terpenoid contents of the foliage. The primary approach used by range managers to increase the consumption of undesirable plants, like juniper, is to increase stocking rates and force animals onto the low quality plants. Using excessive stocking rates to remove weedy plants sometimes leads to unintended damage to more desirable plants. We believe that with careful selection, breeding, and backgrounding we can create goats that have a lower ecological impact on rangeland because they chose to consume more juniper in their daily browsing. Our research has shown that we can select goats that consume large quantities of juniper. Furthermore, our research indicates that high juniper consumption is associated
with a greater liver capacity for processing juniper chemicals. Our goal is to replace excessive stocking rates with modified diet selection to increase juniper consumption on rangeland.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- OWENS, M. K., ET AL. 1996. Seasonal patterns of plant flammability and monoterpenoid content in Juniperus ashei. Ecological Society of America, August 11-15, Rhode Island.
- PRITZ, R.K., K.L. LAUNCHBAUGH and C.A. TAYLOR, JR. 1997. Effects of breed and dietary experience on juniper consumption by goats. J. Range Manage. 50:(In press).
- RIDDLE, R.R., C.A. TAYLOR, JR., M.M. KOTHMANN and J.E. HUSTON. 1996. Volatile oil contents of ashe and redberry juniper and its relationship to preference by Angora and Spanish goats. J. Range Manage. 49:35-41.
- TAYLOR, C. A., JR. 1996. The range x supplement interaction. In: C.W. Ramsey (ed)Supplemental feeding for deer: Beyond dogma. College Station, TX. pp. 7-15.
- TAYLOR, C. A., JR. 1997. Vegetation response to increasing stocking rate under rotational stocking. J. Range Manage. (In press).
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Progress 01/01/95 to 12/30/95
Outputs
Because of the complexities of cause and effect relationships that exist among the various components of rangeland, a multidisciplinary research approach has been initiated on the 1430 ha Texas A&M University Research Station at Sonora. A series of experiments have been initiated that include: 1) ecology and management of juniper; 2) terpene concentration and composition of ash juniper (Juniperus ashei) and redberry juniper (Juniperus pinchotii) and their effects on palatability; 3) rangeland hydrology; 4) goat and white-tailed deer foraging strategies; and, 5) the effects of fire on various components of the rangeland resource. These experiments are being conducted simultaneously. These studies will provide critical basic knowledge necessary for optimal management of Edwards Plateau rangeland. A new principle of grazing management is proposed to develop a genotype of goat for the specific purpose of suppressing a major pest (juniper) on Texas rangelands. Goats are
known to consume juniper and are perhaps the most tolerant of all ungulate species of the high terpenoid contents of the foliage. This research will closely examine the goat population to determine if a particular genotype exists or could be developed to give rangeland managers an economically- and environmentally-friendly tool to manage juniper stands.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/94 to 12/30/94
Outputs
Livestock production from rangelands, measured at equal stocking rates, was determined from 36 pastures. This data was collected to be used as base line data prior to implementing prescribed burning treatments on the study pastures. Twelve pastures will remain as controls (no burning), twelve will be winter burned and twelve will be summer burned. Percent lamb crop averaged 116, 139 and 116 from pastures that represent the control, summer and winter burned treatments, respectively. Lamb production averaged 5.4, 5.7 and 5.5 kg/ha for the control, summer and winter treatments while Angora kid production averaged 4.7, 5.8 and 5.4 kg/ha, respectively. Percent kid crop averaged 78, 88 and 93, respectively. Adult hair averaged 1.5, 1.6 and 1.5 kg/ha while kid hair averaged .19, .22 and .25 kg/ha, respectively. Wool production averaged .46, .45 and .44 kg/ha, respectively. Total animal biomass produced (kg/ha) averaged 12.3, 13.8 and 13.1, respectively, for the control,
summer and winter burn treatments.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/93 to 12/30/93
Outputs
Monoterpenoid concentrations of Blueberry juniper (Juniperus ashei) and Redberryjuniper (Juniperus pinchotti) affected Angora and Spanish goat preference. In cafeteria feeding trials both Angora and Spanish goats preferred blueberry female, blueberry male, redberry female and redberry male, in that order. Consumption varied by individual animal, sex of juniper, species of juniper, and individual tree within sex and species. When monoterpenes were extracted by steam distillation from both sexes of redberry and blueberry juniper, blueberry and redberry trees had significantly different patterns of oil concentrations. Significant negative and positive correlations existed between monoterpene concentrations and consumption. Juniper oil mixed in a feed ration affected feed intake when fed to Angora goats. The experiment had a control (no oil in feed), a low level of oil (0.4% of feed), a medium level of oil (0.8%) of feed), and a high level of oil (1.2% of feed). The high
level of oil significantly reduced feed intake.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/92 to 12/30/92
Outputs
Sheep and goat production from rangelands, measured at equal stocking rates, wasdetermined from two short duration (SDG-49 day cycle length), two high-intensity, low-frequency (HILF-98 day cycle length) and two 4-pasture, 3-herd grazing systems. Lamb production averaged 7.4, 5.7, 5.9, 7.8, 8.3 and 7.8 kg per ha from six grazing treatments represented by: two 7-pasture, 1-herd 98 day cycle; two 7-pasture, 1-herd 49 day cycle; and two 4-pasture, 3-herd grazing systems, respectively. Adult mohair production per ha averaged 1.1, 1.3, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4 kg, respectively, while wool production per ha averaged .64, .63, .62, .60, .67 and .67 kg. Mohair (kid) averaged .24, .22, .24, .15, .30 and .22 kg per ha, respectively. Percent lamb crop weaned from the six grazing treatments averaged 124, 138, 147, 106, 147, and 145, respectively, while percent kid crop raised from the six grazing treatments averaged 100, 98, 106, 72, 107 and 94. Kg of kid produced per ha averaged
4.5, 4.9, 4.9, 2.8, 5.2, and 5.3, respectively. Total animal biomass produced (kg/ha) averaged 11.3, 13.6, 13.2, 9.3, 14.5, and 14.1, respectively. Total animal biomass produced (kg/ha) averaged 12.5, 11.3, 14.3, respectively, for the 7-pasture, 1-herd 49 day cycle; 7-pasture, 98 day cycle;and 4-pasture, 3-herd grazing systems.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/91 to 12/30/91
Outputs
Livestock production from rangelands, measured at equal stocking rates, was determined from two short duration (SDG-49 day cycle length), two high-intensity, low-frequency (HILF-98 day cycle length) and two 4-pasture, 3-herd grazing systems. Heifer response averaged 5.2, 5.5, 5.2, 3.2, 4.3 and 6.0 kg of gain per ha from six grazing treatments represented by: two 7-pasture, 1-herd 98 day cycle; two 7-pasture, 1-herd 49 day cycle; and two 4-pasture, 3-herd grazing systems, respectively. Kg of gain per head averaged 84, 100, 84, 56, 70 and 97, respectively. Adult mohair production per ha averaged .94, .84, 1.07, .82, .92 and .97 kg, respectively, while wool production per ha averaged .65, .66, .65, .54, .63 and .66 kg. Mohair (kid) averaged .13, .13, .16, .13, .14 and .20 kg per ha, respectively. Percent lamb crop weaned from the six grazing treatments averaged 129, 128, 100, 111, 113 and 130, respectively; kg of lamb weaned per ha averaged 6.0, 4.1, 4.6, 3.7, 5.0 and
6.2, respectively. Percent kid crop raised from the six grazing treatments averaged 95, 107, 0, 90, 83 and 125, respectively; kg of kid produced per ha averaged 2.9, 3.6, 0, 2.9, 3.1, and 4.5, respectively. Total animal biomass produced (kg/ha) averaged 15.8, 14.9, 11.5, 11.3, 14.2 and 18.6, respectively. Total animal biomass produced (kg/ha) averaged 15.3, 11.4, and 16.4, respectively, for the 7-pasture, 1-herd 49 day cycle, 7-pasture 98 day cycle and 4-pasture, 3-herd grazing systems.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/90 to 12/30/90
Outputs
Livestock production from rangelands, measured at equal stocking rates, was determined from two short duration (SDG-49 day cycle length), two high-intensity, low-frequency (HILF-98 day cycle length) and two 4-pasture, 3-herd grazing systems. Heifer response averaged 8.1, 6.4, 8.3, 8.8, 7.8 and 10 kg of gain per ha from six grazing treatments represented by: two 7-pasture, 1-herd 98 day cycle; two 7-pasure, 1-herd 49 day cycle; and two 4-pasture, 3-herd grazing systems, respectively. Kg of gain per head averaged 131, 111, 135, 151, 127 and 163, respectively. Adult mohair production per ha averaged 1.04, 1.02, .94, 1.11, 1.09 and 1.06 kg, respectively, while wool production per ha averaged .54, .55, .54, .52, .57 and .59 kg. Mohair (kid) averaged .13, .13, .16, .13, .14 and .20 kg per ha, respectively. Percent lamb crop weaned from the six grazing treatments averaged 118, 109, 100, 92, 113 and 90, respectively; kg of lamb weaned per ha averaged 4.9, 4.8, 5.4, 4.8,
4.0 and 5.0, respectively. Percent kid crop raised from the six grazing treatments averaged 67, 73, 86, 59, 61 and 96, respectively; kg of kid produced per ha averaged 2.2, 2.4, 2.8, 2.0, 2.2 and 3.5, respectively. Total animal biomass produced (kg/ha) averaged 16.9, 15.3, 18.1, 17.4, 15.8 and 20.4, respectively. Total animal biomass produced (kg/ha) averaged 16.1, 17.8 and 18.1, respectively, for the 7-pasture, 1-herd 98 day cycle, 7-pasture 49 day cycle and 4-pasture, 3-herd grazing systems.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/89 to 12/30/89
Outputs
Livestock production from rangelands, measured at equal stocking rates, was determined from two short duration (SDG - 49 da), two high-intensity, low-frequency (HILF - 98 da) and two 4-pasture grazing systems. Heifer response averaged 102, 99, 115, 128, 113 and 126 kg of gain per head from six grazing treatments represented by: two 7-pasture, 1-herd 98 day cycle; two 7-pasture, 1-herd 49 day cycle; and two 4-pasture, 3-herd grazing systems, respectively. Kg of gain per ha averaged 6.3, 5.7, 7.1, 7.9, 7 and 7.8, respectively. Mohair production per doe averaged 4.7, 4.2, 4.7, 4.4, 4.3 and 4.9 kg, respectively, while wool production per ewe averaged 3.7, 3.4, 3.7, 3.5, 3.9 and 3.7 kg. Mohair per kid averaged 1.1, 1.1, 1.1, 1, 1.2 and 1.4 kg, respectively. Percent lamb crop weaned from the six grazing treatments averaged 82, 88, 112, 71, 60 and 81, respectively; kg of lamb weaned per ha averaged 3.7, 3.9, 5.3, 3.2, 3.3 and 4.7, respectively. Percent kid crop raised from
the six grazing treatments averaged 67, 71, 67, 66, 82 and 68, respectively; kg of kid produced per ha averaged 2.3, 2.3, 2.2, 2, 2.6 and 2.9, respectively. Total animal biomass produced (kg/ha) averaged 13.9, 13.3, 16.2, 14.6, 14.5, and 17.2, respectively. Total animal biomass produced (kg/ha) averaged 13.6, 15.4, and 15.9, respectively, for the 7-pasture, 1-herd 98 day cycle, 7-pasture, 1-herd 49 day cycle and 4-pasture, 3-herd grazing systems.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/88 to 12/30/88
Outputs
Livestock production from rangelands, measured at equal stocking rates, was determined from three short duration (SDG) and two 4-pasture grazing systems. Heifer response averaged .37, .34, .32, .34 and .45 kg of gain per head per day from five grazing treatments represented by: 7-pasture, 1-herd 98 day cycle; 7-pasture, 1-herd 49 day cycle; 14-pasture, 1-herd flexible cycle; and two 4-pasture, 3-herd grazing systems, respectively. Kg of gain per ha averaged 7.8, 7.3, 6.2, 7.3 and 9.6, respectively. Mohair production per doe averaged 4.2, 4.8, 4.4, 4.7 and 4.7 kg, respectively, while wool production per ewe averaged 3.7, 3.5, 3.4, 3.6 and 3.9 kg. Percent lamb crop weaned from the five grazing treatments averaged 135.3, 141.2, 106.8, 126.7 and 140, respectively; kg of lamb weaned per ha averaged 5.7, 6.3, 4.1, 6.2 and 7.3, respectively. Percent kid crop raised from the five grazing treatments averaged 66.7, 100, 78.9, 91.7 and 72.2, respectively; kg of kid produced
per ha averaged .13, .22, .13, .16 and .25, respectively. Total animal biomass produced (kg/ha) averaged 17.1, 18.1, 13.8, 17.9 and 21.3, respectively.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/87 to 12/30/87
Outputs
Livestock production from rangelands, measured at equal stocking rates, was determined from three short duration (SDG) and two 4-pasture grazing systems. Heifer response averaged .41, .42, .37, .41, and .5 kg of gain per head per day from five grazing treatments represented by: 7-pasture, 1-herd 98 day cycle; 7-pasture, 1-herd 49 day cycle; 14-pasture, 1-herd flexible cycle; and two 4-pasture, 3-herd grazing systems, respectively. Kg of gain per ha averaged 9, 9.2, 7.6, 9.2, and 10.9, respectively. Mohair production per doe averaged 5.2, 5.6, 5.1, 6.1, and 5.1 kg, respectively while wool production per ewe averaged 4.1, 3.9, 4, 4.3, and 4.3 kg. Percent lamb crop born from the five grazing treatments averaged 141, 176, 117, 147, and 110, respectively; percent lambs weaned from the five grazing treatments averaged 106, 129, 78, 133, and 75, respectively; kg of lamb weaned per ha averaged 6.7, 8.2, 3.5, 5.8, and 4.9, respectively; birth weight of lambs averaged 4.8,
4.7, 5.1, 5.4, and 4.9 kg, respectively. Percent kid born from the five grazing treatments averaged 114, 110, 107, 0, and 108, respectively; percent kid crop weaned averaged 91, 62, 85, 0, and 71, respectively; kg of kid hair produced per ha averaged .18, .13, .16, 0, and .25, respectively. Total animal biomass produced (kg/ha) for each grazing treatment averaged 22.7, 23.6, 16, 18.6, and 22.7, respectively. Current hydrological data is being analyzed from studies measuring frequencies and intensities of livestock trampling on vegetation and soils.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/86 to 12/30/86
Outputs
Rangleland livestock production, measured at equal stocking rates, was determined from three short duration (SDG) and two 4-pasture grazing systems. Heifer response averaged .33, .31, .30, .32 and .40 kg of gain per head per day from five grazing treatments represented by: 7-pasture, 1-herd 98 day cycle; 7-pasture, 1-herd 49 day cycle; 14-pasture, 1-herd flexible cycle; and two 4-pasture, 3 herd grazing systems, respectively. Mohair production per doe averaged 4.5, 4.9, 4.7, 5.3 and 4.8 kg, respectively while wool production per ewe averaged 4.0, 4.4, 3.9, 4.4 and 4.2 kg. Percent lamb crop from the five grazing treatments averaged 105, 135, 103, 80 and 126, respectively. Percent kid crop averaged 101, 105, 93, 90 and 96. Above ground net primary production (ANPP) of range forage from deep and shallow range sites was measured from two 7-pasture SDG systems at equal grazing pressures but different rotation cycles (49 and 98-day cycles). Forage production was affected
more by soil depth and precipitation than grazing treatment; however, length of grazing cycle seemed to have a significant effect on basal diameter of selected grass species. Basal area of sideoats grama plants from the 49-day cycle SDG system (deep range sites) averaged 9.4 cm compared to 34.7 for the 98-day cycle system. Additional research measured the effect of supplemental feed on Angora goat production.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/85 to 12/30/85
Outputs
Livestock production, measured at equal stocking rates, was determined from three short duration (SDG) and two 4-pasture grazing systems. For two consecutive years, livestock from both 4-pasture 3-herd grazing systems were more productive (per head and per acre) than SDG livestock. Forage production was affected more by precipitation and soil depth than by grazing systems. An experiment measuring the effect of supplemental feed on Angora goat reproduction was conducted during a 45 day breeding season. Four supplemental feed treatments (control-no feed, 136, 272 and 409 grams/hd/da were fed to individual does; kids raised per treatment were 50, 81, 81 and 90 percent, respectively. Above ground net primary production (ANPP) of range forage from deep and shallow range sites was measured from two 7-pasture SDG systems at equal grazing pressures but different rotation cycles (49 and 98-day cycles). End of year standing crop and ANPP was similar for the two grazing
cycles, but litter accumulation was greater for the 98-day SDG pasture. Chemical and statistical analyses for this study is incomplete. Three hydrological studies have been recently completed: 1) impact of selected grazing systems on hydrologic parameters; 2) impact of short duration grazing on hydrologic parameters and 3) impact of livestock trampling on hydrologic and soil parameters. Livestock trampling even at moderate rates resulted in a significant decline in infiltration rate compared to non-trampled areas.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/84 to 12/30/84
Outputs
Suboptimal precipitation necessitated a 59% reduction in livestock numbers on both the short duration and Merrill 4-pasture grazing systems. Although preliminary, this year's results indicate that animal and vegetational response was slightly favored by the Merrill 4-pasture compared to the short duration grazing systems. A mobile drip-type rainfall simulator was used to determine infiltration rate and sediment production from 3 variable sized pastures within a 14-pasture SDG system. Stocking densities were represented by 1.69, 2.24 and 3.38 AU/ha for the three study pastures. The smallest pasture with the greatest stocking density was in slightly poorer hydrologic condition than the larger pastures. It appeared that infiltration rates were lower after grazing than before grazing, regardless of stocking density. There was no apparent difference in the levels of internal parasites (Haemonchus contortus) among the different grazing systems.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/83 to 12/30/83
Outputs
The Merrill 4-pasture and short-duration grazing systems under project H-6667 have been established for approximately one year. This is an insufficient time period to report significant results. Initial plant composition of each pasture has been measured. Animal unit days of grazing has been calculated for each pasture. Animal production (i.e. reproductive rates, weaning weights, wool and mohair weights) have been recorded for the different grazing systems. The effect of short-duration grazing on infiltration rates and sediment production is being measured. Levels of the large stomach worm (Haemonchus contortus) has been measured in the feces and intestines of sheep and goats grazing in the short-duration and Merrill 4-pasture grazing sytems.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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