Selective Grazing Induced by Animal Excreta I. Evidence of Occurrence and Superficial Remedy

Abstract

Recurring grazing patterns by dairy heifers and steers under rotational grazing of brome and alfalfa-brome were measured by mapping within staked areas over a 2-year period. An average of 81% of all dung deposited by the animals 3 to 4 wk before grazing caused complete refusal of the forage in the area. Complete refusal of dung-affected forage was reduced to 68% after two to three months. Dung deposited on brome caused a greater refusal of forage than that deposited on alfalfa-brome. Of all areas not grazed, 93% contained dung spots from periods prior to measurement, while only 1% of completely consmned forage areas contained dung.