Livestock Grazing Distribution Patterns: Does Animal Age Matter?
Introduction Non-uniform grazing distribution by livestock on diverse landscapes and its effects on present vegetation has presented a challenge for livestock, grazing, and natural resource managers for an extended period of time. Many variables, such as water location, forage availability, and ruggedness of the terrain, which exist at a variety of scales, influence habitat selection and use behaviors by livestock. As a result, livestock tend to use some areas more than others, resulting in degradation of the plant communities that are used heavily throughout the grazing period. Animal age, a variable that has been researched very little in relation to livestock distribution, is highly related to an animal s physical, physiological, and morphological characteristics. Understanding how these factors may interact to influence the grazing behaviors of animals of different ages may help managers create tools to reduce the negative effects of heavy use in some areas and little or no use in
