Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/07
Outputs
A study was initiated to evaluate and quantify the effects of genetics and early learning on cattle grazing patterns using embryo transfer. Grazing patterns of over 300 cows were evaluated from 1997 to 2001 on foothill rangeland near Havre, MT. Five cows of Hereford and/or Tarentaise breeding with the most consistent use of steep terrain and higher elevations (hill climbers) were selected as donors. Five cows of similar breeding with the most consistent use of gentler slopes and lower elevations near water were also selected as donors (bottom dwellers). All donors were bred to the same Simmental bull. Embryos were transferred into crossbred recipient cows that were categorized into hill climbers and bottom dwellers based on observed grazing patterns. The objective is to experimentally separate the effects of genotype (genetic influence of the donor) from the effects of early learning (behavioral influence from the recipient mother). This is a 2x2 design where embryos
from hill climber and bottom dweller donors are placed into both hill climber and bottom dweller recipients. Ten and 21 heifer calves were born in 2003 and 2004 from embryos transferred in 2002 and 2003, respectively. Grazing patterns of the 10 yearling heifers were recorded using global positioning system collars during 2004. Preliminary analyses of telemetry data showed differences between heifers. Herding cow-calf pairs during midday using low-stress handling techniques was evaluated as a management tool to protect riparian areas. Three treatments were evaluated (control-not herded, herded, and herded with strategic supplement placement) in 3 large pastures (approximately 520 ha each) over 3 years. Cows were herded at least 1.6 km from streams to upland target areas (100-120 ha). Statistical analyses were based on annual averages from each pasture (n = 9) and reflect numerous observations. Analyses showed differences between the free-roaming control cows and herded cows (with and
without supplement pooled). Forage stubble heights near the major stream were 8 cm higher (P = 0.08) in pastures where cows were herded than in control pastures. Telemetry data showed that herded cows used higher elevations (P = 0.07) than control cows. Cows that were herded traveled about 1.2 km/day farther (P = 0.05) than control cows. Herded cows spent about 5.3 hours/day within 100 m of streams, while the control cows spent 7.9 hours/day (P = 0.03) in these areas. Cows that were herded spent about 1/3 of their time within 100 m of perennial and ephemeral streams (an index of riparian areas), while control cows spent just over 1/2 of their time in these areas (P = 0.09). Herded cows spent about 20% of their time within the upland target area, while the control cows (not herded) spent only 4% of their time in target areas (P = 0.005). Strategic placement of supplement should complement midday herding by helping hold cattle in upland areas. In years 2 and 3, cattle remained 1.5 to 2
times longer in upland target areas when low-moisture blocks and salt were available than when only salt was available. Forage utilization was greater (P = 0.06) in upland target areas when supplement was available.
Impacts
Low-stress herding and strategic supplement placement can help protect streams riparian areas and help increase uniformity of grazing by cattle on extensive pastures with rugged terrain. Integrating multiple distribution management practices may be more beneficial than implementing individual practices.
Publications
- Bailey DW, Provenza FD 2005. Mechanisms determining herbivore distribution. In: HT Prins and F Van Langevelde (eds.), Large Herbivore Dynamics in Fragmented Landscapes. Frontis, Wageningen, Netherlands (accepted book chapter).
- Bailey DW. 2005. Identification and creation of optimal habitat conditions for livestock. Rangeland Ecology & Management (in press).
- Bailey DW. 2004. Management strategies for optimal grazing distribution and use of arid rangelands. J. Anim. Sci. 82(E. Suppl.):E147-E153.
- Bailey DW. 2004. Integrating management practices to improve the uniformity and sustainability of grazing. Proc., 2nd National Conference on Grazing Lands, December 7-10, 2003, Nashville, TN, p. 628-636.
- Bailey DW. 2004. Management of cattle distribution patterns through strategic supplement placement and herding to protect riparian areas and increase uniformity of grazing on rugged rangeland. Abstr., Soc. Range Manage., Salt Lake City, UT.
- Bailey DW, Jensen D, VanWagoner H. 2004. Effects of self-fed and hand-fed protein supplements on cattle grazing patterns: low-moisture blocks vs. range cake. Abstr., Soc. Range Manage., Salt Lake City, UT.
- Bailey DW, Keil MR, Rittenhouse LR. 2004. Research observation: Daily movement patterns of hill climbing and bottom dwelling cows. J. Range Manage. 57:20-28.
- Bailey DW, Long K, Long B. 2004. Evaluation of low-moisture blocks and pressed blocks for manipulating cattle grazing distribution. Abstr., Soc. Range Manage., Salt Lake City, UT.
- Bailey DW, VanWagoner H. 2004. Can we improve livestock grazing distribution through selection? Abstr., Soc. Range Manage., Salt Lake City, UT.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Previous studies demonstrated the potential of using breed and individual animal selection to improve grazing distribution in foothill rangeland. A study was initiated to evaluate and quantify the effects of genetics and early learning on cattle grazing patterns using embryo transfer. Grazing patterns of over 300 cows were evaluated from 1997 to 2001 on foothill rangeland near Havre, MT. Five cows of Hereford and/or Tarentaise breeding with the most consistent use of steep terrain and higher elevations (hill climbers) were selected as donors. Five cows of similar breeding with the most consistent use of gentler slopes and lower elevations near water were also selected as donors (bottom dwellers). All donors were bred to the same Simmental bull. Embryos were transferred into crossbred recipient cows that were categorized into hill climbers and bottom dwellers based on observed grazing patterns. The objective is to experimentally separate the effects of genotype
(genetic influence of the donor) from the effects of early learning (behavioral influence from the recipient mother). This is a 2x2 design where embryos from hill climber and bottom dweller donors are placed into both hill climber and bottom dweller recipients. In 2003, we transferred embryos to 75 cows and have 41 possible pregnancies (potential for 20 heifer calves). Ten heifer calves were born from embryos transferred in 2002. Grazing patterns of the 4 groups of heifers (2x2 design) will be evaluated beginning in 2004. Herding cow-calf pairs during midday using low-stress handling techniques is being evaluated as a management tool to protect riparian areas. Preliminary data from the first 2 years of a 3-year study conducted at the Bair Ranch (Martinsdale, MT) show that forage stubble heights near and at the streambank were higher (P < 0.05) in pastures where cows were herded than in the control pastures with no herding. Strategic placement of supplement appears to be a useful
complement to the herding. A 2-year study evaluated the effectiveness of supplement placement without herding on cattle grazing patterns during early (June) and late summer (late August and September). The study was conducted at the Thackeray Ranch near Havre, MT and at the nearby Ross Ranch. Cattle grazing behavior was documented using GPS tracking collars, fecal abundance measurements and evaluations of stubble height and forage utilization. Cows spent more time (P<0.05) within 50 m and 100 m of streams during late summer than early summer. Cows that received supplement and salt (4.2 km / d) traveled further (P=0.05) each day than cows that only received salt (3.4 km / d). In each of the 4 pastures evaluated, cows spent less time within 50 m of the stream when supplement and salt was available than when only salt was available. Further analyses of data collected in this study are being completed.
Impacts
Ongoing research suggests that that low-stress herding and strategic supplement placement can help protect streambanks and riparian areas and help increase uniformity of grazing by cattle on extensive pastures with rugged terrain. Integrating multiple distribution management practices may be more beneficial than implementing individual practices.
Publications
- Bailey, D.W. 2003. Management strategies for optimal grazing distribution and use of arid rangelands. Abstr., Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci., Phoenix, AZ.
- Bailey, D.W. 2003. Integrating management practices to improve uniformity and sustainability of grazing, Abstr. 2nd National Conference on Grazing Lands, Nashville, TN.
- Bailey, D.W. 2004. Management strategies for optimal grazing distribution and use of arid rangelands. J. Anim. Sci. 82: (in press).
- Bailey, D.W. 2003. Increasing uniformity and sustainability of grazing. Proc, Western Canadian Forage & Grazing Conference, Saskatoon, Sask., p. 26-33.
- Bailey, D.W., Keil, M.R. and Rittenhouse, L.R.. 2004. Research observation: Daily movement patterns of hill climbing and bottom dwelling cows. J. Range Manage. 57:20-28.
- Bailey, D.W. 2003. Use of low-moisture block and loose dry mineral supplement by cows grazing rangeland and by cows fed hay. Abstr., Soc. Range Manage., Casper, WY.
- Bailey, D.W. 2003. Identification and creation of optimal habitat conditions for livestock. Abstr., Soc. Range Manage., Casper, WY.
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
The potential of using breed and individual animal selection to improve grazing distribution was demonstrated in foothill rangeland. Cattle breeds developed in mountainous terrain used rugged rangeland more uniformly than breeds developed in more gentle terrain. Some cows used steeper slopes and areas further from water (hill climbers), while others used gentler terrain near water (bottom dwellers) when compared together and in separate pastures. Hill climbers left more residual vegetation in riparian areas and other sensitive rangeland than bottom dwellers. Animal performance was not adversely related to terrain use, so selection for grazing distribution should not reduce overall herd production. We also initiated a study to quantify the effectiveness of herding to protect riparian areas at the Bair Ranch near White Sulfur Springs, MT. Preliminary data from year 1 of a 3-year study show that forage stubble heights near and at the streambank were 2 times higher in
pastures where cows were herded. Stubble height in riparian area averaged 13 cm in the control pasture, while mean stubble height were 23 cm or greater in pastures where cows were herded. Strategic placement of supplement complemented the herding in this first year of the study. Forage stubble heights within 0.5 m of the stream were greatest in the pasture with an integrated program of supplement placement and herding (45 cm) and lowest in the control pasture (22 cm). The herding pasture had streambank stubble heights of 28 cm. An additional 2-year study was initiated to evaluate the effectiveness of supplement placement without herding on cattle grazing patterns during early and late summer. Cows at the Thackeray Ranch near Havre, MT received supplement in June and no supplement in late August and September, while cows at the nearby Ross Ranch did not receive supplement in June and received supplement in late August and September. Effectiveness of treatments in this study cannot be
estimated until the end of the field season next year. In both studies, cattle distribution was measured and quantified by GPS tracking collars, horseback observers, forage utilization patterns, fecal loading transects, and streambank disturbance measurements.
Impacts
Ongoing research suggests that selection may be useful for increasing uniformity of cattle grazing in rugged rangeland. Other preliminary research suggests that herding can help protect streambanks and riparian areas. Integrating herding with other distribution management practices such as strategic placement of supplement may be more beneficial than implementing individual practices.
Publications
- Bailey, D.W. 2002. New approaches to protect watersheds and riparian areas by manipulating livestock grazing behavior. Proc., Bienn. Mtg Watershed Manage. Counc. , Stevenson, WA.
- Bailey, D.W. 2002. Daily movement patterns of hill-climbing and bottom-dwelling cows. Abstr., Soc. Range Manage. Kansas City, MO.
- Bailey, D.W. 2002. Understanding livestock behavior to protect riparian areas. Abstr., Soc. Range Manage. Kansas City, MO.
- Bailey, D. W., Keil, M.R. and Rittenhouse, L. R. 2004. Research observations: daily movement patterns of hill climbing and bottom dwelling cows. J. Range Manage. (in press, Jan. 2004).
- Bailey, D.W. and Welling, G. R. 2002. Comparison of low-moisture molasses blocks and loose dry mineral mixes as delivery systems for supplementing trace minerals to rangeland cattle. Abstr., Soc. Range Manage. Kansas City, MO.
- Haley, D. B., Stookey, J. M. and Bailey, D.W. 2002. A procedure to reduce the stress of weaning on beef cattle: On-farm trials of two-step weaning. Abstr., North Amer. Sec., Int. Soc. Appl. Ethol., Quebec City, Quebec.
- Thoma, D.P., Bailey, D. W., Long, D. S., Nielsen, G. A., Henry, M. P., Breneman, M.C. and Montagne, C. 2002. Short-term monitoring of rangeland forage conditions with AVHRR imagery. J. Range Manage. 55:383-389.
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
Grazing and forage use patterns of cattle previously identified as hill climbers and bottom dwellers were compared to evaluate the potential to select individual animals for more uniform grazing use in rugged and extensive rangeland. Hill climbers were cows that spent more time on steeper slopes and traveled further vertically from water. In contrast, bottom dwellers spent more time on gentle slopes near water. Comparisons of the 2 groups of cows were completed in separate but similar pastures using GPS tracking collars, horseback observations and forage utilization measurements over a 3-year period. Residual stubble height within critical areas (e.g., riparian areas) of pastures grazed by hill climber was greater (P < 0.05) than in pastures grazed by bottom dwellers. Uniformity of grazing was more uniform with respect to vertical and horizontal distance to water in pastures grazed by hill climbers as compared to pastures grazed by bottom dwellers. Tracking data
showed that hill climbers spent more time (P < 0.05) on steeper slopes. Ongoing analyses of this study suggest that selection may be a tool that managers can use to increase uniformity of grazing, but more research is needed. In another study, cows tracked with GPS collars during late summer demonstrated that an animal's location during the early morning (0700) is a good predictor of where cattle grazed during the current and previous evening's grazing bouts. Hill climbers traveled to water about 1 hour later (P < 0.05) than did bottom dwellers. In addition to direct observations, timing of travel to water may be another behavior that can be used to identify differences in individual grazing patterns of cows grazing rugged rangeland.
Impacts
Ongoing research suggests that selection may become another tool that managers can use to increase uniformity of grazing of rugged rangeland by cattle. Cows that graze steeper slopes and travel further horizontally and vertically from water could be retained, and cows that graze gentler slopes near water ccould be culled. However, more research is needed before this practice can be recommended.
Publications
- Bailey, D.W., Kress, D.D., Anderson, D.C., Boss, D.L. and Miller, E.T. 2001. Relationship between terrain use and performance of beef cows grazing foothill rangeland. J. Anim. Sci. 79:1883-1891.
- Bailey, D.W., Welling, G.R. and Miller, E.T. 2001. Cattle use of foothills rangeland near dehydrated molasses supplement. J. Range Manage. 54: 338-347.
- Bailey, D.W. 2001. Evaluating new approaches to improve livestock grazing distribution using GPS and GIS technology. Proc., 1st National Conference on Grazing Lands, Dec. 5-8, 2000, Las Vegas, NV, p. 91-99.
- Bailey, D.W., Kress, D.D., Anderson, D.C., Boss, D.L. and Davis, K.C.. 2001. Evaluation of F1 crosses from Angus, Charolais, Salers, Piedmontese, Tarentaise and Hereford sires V: Grazing distribution patterns. Proc., West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 52:110-113.
- Bailey, D.W., Anderson, D.C., Boss, D.L., Welling, G.R. and Kress, D.D. 2001. Comparison of maximum stabilized enzyme or Russelville, Arkansas and monensin/tylosin as feed additives for feedlot steers. Proc., West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 52:194-196.
- Kress, D.D., Anderson, D.C., Stevens, J.D., Miller, E.T., Hirsch, T.S., Sprinkle, J.E., Davis, K.C., Boss, D.L., Bailey, D.W., Ansotegui, R.P. and Tess, M.W. 2001. Calf weight/cow weight as a predictor of beef cow efficiency. Proc., West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 52:130-132.
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Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
Ongoing research supports the hypothesis that cattle breeds developed in mountainous terrain use extensive rugged rangeland pastures more evenly than breeds developed in gentler terrain. Tarentaise cows developed in the French Alps used steeper slopes and traveled further vertically from water (P<0.05) than Hereford cows developed in the gentler terrain of England. Cows sired by Piedmontese bulls traveled further vertically from water (P<0.05) than cows sired by Angus bulls. Piedmontese were developed in the foothills of the Italian Alps, and Angus were developed in less rugged terrain in Scotland. Cows tracked with GPS collars during late summer demonstrated that an animal's location during the early morning (0700) is a good predictor of where cattle grazed during the current and previous evening's grazing bouts. Ongoing research compares grazing and forage use patterns of cattle previously identified as hill climbers and bottom dwellers in separate but similar
pastures. The third and final year of data collection will be completed during 2001. In a separate study, a simulated fenceless livestock control system was evaluated. Cattle received mild shocks if they entered an exclusion zone. Cattle rarely entered the exclusion zone after 1 day of training. The addition of visual or audio cues to help the cattle identify the boundary did not reduce (P>0.05) the number of entries into the exclusion zone. Cattle movements can be controlled without visual barriers using a fenceless control system, provided the animals are properly trained. In addition, the effectiveness of the fenceless control system was evaluated if 1 or 2 of the equipment units were non-functional. The presence of animals with nonfunctional equipment did not increase frequency (P>0.05) in which animals with functional units attempted to enter the exclusion area. If a fenceless livestock control system equipment equipment were to fail on a few animals, control of the herd could be
maintained.
Impacts
Livestock producers using extensive rangeland pastures may be able to graze rugged topography more uniformly by using cattle breeds that were developed in mountainous terrain. A combination of management practices such as breed selection and strategic supplement placement should transfer grazing use from areas receiving too much use to underutilized areas and help improve watershed condition.
Publications
- Bailey, D.W., Welling, G.R., and Miller, E.T. 2001. Cattle use of foothills rangeland near dehydrated molasses supplement. J. Range Manage. 54: (in press).
- Bailey, D.W., Howery, L.D., and Boss, D.L. 2000. Effects of social facilitation for locating feeding sites by cattle in an 8-arm radial maze. Applied Anim. Behav. Sci. 68:93-105.
- Bailey, D.W., Miller, E.T., and Welling, G.R. 2000. Cattle use of foothill rangeland near dehydrated molasses supplement. Abstr., Soc. Range Manage. Ann. Mtg., Boise, ID.
- Howery, L.D., Bailey, D.W. and Ruyle, G.B. 2000. Can cattle use artificial cues to track food locations? Applied Anim. Behav. Sci. 67:1-14.
- Markus, S., Bailey, D.W. and Price, M. 2000. Evaluation of a simulated fenceless livestock control system: training. Abstr., Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. Ann. Mtg. Baltimore, MD.
- Markus, S., Bailey, D.W. and Price, M. 2000. Evaluation of a simulated livestock control system under equipment failure. Abstr., Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. Ann. Mtg. Baltimore, MD.
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Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99
Outputs
Previous work showed that cattle grazed more in areas within 200 m of supplement than in corresponding control areas without supplement. Another study was conducted in foothill rangeland to examine grazing use near dehydrated molasses supplement. Forage utilization increased by 14 percentage points at distances of 30 to 600 m from supplement in some of steepest and most distant portions of study pastures. During cold and windy conditions, cattle avoided supplement in exposed areas. To maintain supplement intake during windy weather when temperatures are below 0 C, supplement should be placed in protected areas. Cattle with more Tarentaise breeding used steeper slopes and higher elevations than cattle with more Hereford breeding. Collars with GPS receivers that were placed on free-ranging cattle in foothill rangeland demonstrated that grazing patterns differ greatly among individual animals. Repeatability of individual grazing patterns suggest that grazing patterns in
foothills rangeland may be heritable, but more research is needed before any conclusions can be drawn. Ongoing research compares grazing and forage use patterns of cattle previously identified as hill climbers and bottom dwellers in separate but similar pastures.
Impacts
Management practices that are being developed and refined that have the potential to modify distribution patterns of cattle grazing rangelands. Grazing use can be transferred from areas receiving too much use to underutilized areas, which can help resolve concerns with water quality and other environmental issues.
Publications
- Bailey, D.W. and G.R. Welling. 1999. Modification of cattle grazing distribution with dehydrated molasses supplement. J. Range Manage. 52:575-582.
- Bailey, D.W. 1999. Influence of species, breed and type of animal on habitat selection. p. 101-108, In: K.L. Launchbaugh, K.D. Sanders and J.C. Mosely, (eds.), Grazing Behavior of Livestock and Wildlife. Idaho Forest, Wildlife and Range Exp. Sta. Bull. #70. Moscow, ID.
- Howery, L.D., D.W. Bailey and E.A. Laca. 1999. Impact of spatial memory on habitat use. p. 91-100, In: K.L. Launchbaugh, K.D. Sanders and J.C. Mosely, (eds.), Grazing Behavior of Livestock and Wildlife. Idaho Forest, Wildlife and Range Exp. Sta. Bull. #70. Moscow, ID.
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Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98
Outputs
Grazing patterns of cattle with Hereford and Tarentaise breeding were individually observed in foothills rangeland for 2 years. Tarentaise cattle climbed to higher elevations, used steeper slopes than Hereford cattle in most pastures (P<.05). No consistent differences were observed in first-calf (2 year-old) heifers that were sired by Angus, Charolais, Piedmontese and Salers bulls. Grazing use by individual cattle in the same pasture was relatively consistent for two successive grazing seasons. Repeatability for average use of slopes and horizontal and vertical distance traveled to water was .21, .19 and .37, respectively. Performance of cattle was not related (P>.05) to where they grazed based on one year's data. Global Positioning System (GPS) collars were used to track cattle that had previously been identified as using gentle terrain and steeper terrain. Data from the GPS collars verified the differences detected by observers on horseback. Fall studies conducted
in 1997 and 1998 have been conducted to evaluate the use of cooked molasses supplements to lure cattle to underutilized rangeland. Placing supplement in moderate terrain affected grazing patterns more than placement in difficult terrain, but strategic supplement placement was effective in both moderate and difficult terrain. GPS collars were used in 1998 to more accurately monitor effects of strategic supplement placement on cattle grazing patterns. Data from the 1998 study are being analyzed.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- BAILEY, D.W., B. DUMONT AND M.F. WALLISDEVRIES. 1998. Utilization of heterogeneous grasslands by domestic herbivores: theory to management. Ann. Zootech. 47:321-333.
- BAILEY, D.W. AND P.L. SIMS. 1998. Association of food quality and locations by cattle. J. Range Manage. 51:2-8.
- BAILEY, D.W. AND P.L. SIMS. 1998. Comparison of eastern gamagrass grain and cottonseed meal as supplements for sheep fed mature eastern gamagrass hay. Anim. Feed Sci. Tech. 76:95-102.
- MILLER, E.T., D.D. KRESS, R.P. ANSOTEGUI, D.W. BAILEY AND D.C. ANDERSON. 1998. Fecal output by calves from Hereford, Tarentaise and crossbred cows under range conditions. Proc., West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 49:72-75.
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Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97
Outputs
A study was conducted in foothills rangeland during the fall to determine if livestock grazing distribution could be improved by strategically placing cooked molasses supplement blocks. Cattle use of areas with and without (control) supplement was compared by measuring forage utilization and fecal pat abundance both before supplement and salt placement and after removal. More (P=.01) cattle were observed in areas with supplement than in control areas. Increase in fecal pats was greater (P=.01) in areas with supplement than control areas indicating greater use by cattle. Change in forage utilization was also greater (P>.001) in areas with supplement than in control areas. Results suggest that cattle can be lured to underutilized rangeland by strategic placement of cooked molasses supplement blocks. Another study was conducted in foothills rangeland to determine if grazing patterns differed among cow breeds and to determine if there was a relationship between individual
grazing patterns and performance of beef cows. Tarentaise cows traveled further (P<.05) from water, both horizontally and vertically, than Hereford cows. There were no relationships (P>.05) between grazing patterns and cow height, body condition score or milk production. During part of the study, heavier cows used lower elevations, and cows with earlier calving dates used steeper slopes and higher elevations. Performance of cows that used more rugged topography was similar to cows using gentler terrain.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Bailey, D.W., D.C. Anderson and D.E. Doornbos. 1997. Comparison of ivermectin and conventional external parasite control in young beef cows. Professional Animal Scientist 13:129-132.
- Bailey, D.W. and P.L. Sims. 1998. Association of food quality and locations by cattle. J. Range Manage. 51:2-8.
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