@proceedings {JRN55359, title = {Digital ranching as aspirational system for resilient ranching on Southwestern US rangelands}, year = {2022}, month = {2/8/2022}, abstract = {The Sustainable Southwest Beef Project led by New Mexico State University is strategically partnering with ranchers, researchers, extension specialist, educators and industry stakeholders to pioneer a Digital Ranching Platform for improving sustainability outcomes on ranches of the Southwestern US. The goals of the platform are to improve the operational efficiency of managing beef production systems for profitability, climate-resilience, and adaptive capacity. Ultimately, end-users will implement near realtime tracking and scouting of livestock across large pastures, rapid assessments of animal welfare, remote monitoring of rain gauge tipping buckets and tracking of water levels in cattle drinking troughs dispersed across the ranch. Another module is providing unobtrusive scoring of cattle body condition using support vector machine classifiers feeding on video imagery collected by automated infrared depth cameras. Methodologically, our approach fuses traditional statistics and smart analytics with novel dashboard tools to rapidly provide management indicators computed from streams of real-time data which are concurrently collected, logged and transmitted through a network of high throughput sensors, gateways routers and cloud computing services. The IoT infrastructure includes field sensors and accelerometer and GPS sensors on animals, and operates on a Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRa WAN) using solar or grid power and Ethernet, WiFi backhaul, or GSM communication. Our software engineering and IT team is developing a unified web-based server and dashboard application that facilitates the aggregation, visualization and retrieval of computed data, and configurations of sensors. Current analytics seek to enhance the harmonization (i.e. common feature representation) and curation of data using preprocessing, cleansing and normalization steps prior to implementing machine learning variants for classification and predictions objectives. Pilot case studies suggest several advantages of the system along with areas for potential improvement of existing sensors, network infrastructure and engineering, which may enhance future applications of the system on cooperating commercial ranches. }, keywords = {aspirational system, digital ranching, resilient ranching, Southwestern US rangelands}, author = {S. A. Utsumi and S. Nyamuryekung{\textquoteright}e and Matthew M. McIntosh and Andr{\'e}s F. Cibils and Richard E. Estell and S. Spiegal and G. Duff and Huiping Cao and LE Boucheron and H. Chen and Le, T. and Winkler, Z. and Rahman, S. and Qixu Gong and Andrew Cox and Craig Gifford and John P Ragosta and V. Gouvea and Carolina Brandani and Tony Waterhouse and J P Holland and Emile H. Elias and Skye Aney and Brandon T Bestelmeyer and Jean Steiner} } @proceedings {JRN55358, title = {Digital tools for sustainable ranching on Southwestern US rangelands}, year = {2022}, month = {2/8/2022}, abstract = {The Sustainable Southwest Beef Project is partnering with ranchers and stakeholders to develop a Digital Ranching Platform aimed at informing decision making of ranch-level management tasks and climate -resilient livestock systems. This aspirational management approach fuses traditional statistical and advanced data science with visualization dashboards to inform key indicators of animal welfare and ranch resources. The system collects large streams of real-time data, which is logged and transmitted through a network of high throughput sensors, gateways and cloud computing services. Internet of Things infrastructure includes field sensors and high throughput GPS sensors, and accelerometers mounted on animals, operating on a Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) solar or grid powered and Ethernet, WiFi backhaul, or GSM communication. Software engineering and IT project components are focused on unifying a web-based dashboard and server application for visualization and retrieval of computed data and configuration of field devices and sensors. Utilities include improvements of operational efficiencies through near- to real-time tracking and scouting of livestock, rapid animal welfare assessments, remote monitoring of rain gauge tipping buckets and tracking of water level in cattle drinking troughs. Procedures seek to facilitate the harmonization (i.e. common feature representation) and curation of varying streams of data (i.e. erroneous sensor data and missing data points) prior to implementing machine learning for advance classification and prediction objectives. Future analytics will aim to merge patterns of animal data with insights on animal activity budgets, early warnings of breeding status, and faulty animal health or grazing performance. Unobtrusive scoring of cattle body condition is being collected using machine learning classifiers via high throughput video imagery of infrared depth cameras. Pilot case studies suggested important utilities of the system and have reveled several areas for improvement of existing sensor and network infrastructure and applications, which will be discussed in this symposium. }, keywords = {digital tools, rangelands, southwestern US, sustainable ranching}, author = {S. A. Utsumi and S. Nyamuryekung{\textquoteright}e and Matthew M. McIntosh and Andr{\'e}s F. Cibils and Richard E. Estell and S. Spiegal and G. Duff and Huiping Cao and LE Boucheron and H. Chen and Le, T. and Winkler, Z. and Rahman, Z. and Qixu Gong and Andrew Cox and Craig Gifford and John P Ragosta and Krohn, M. and V. Gouvea and Carolina Brandani and Tony Waterhouse and J P Holland and Emile H. Elias and Skye Aney and Brandon T Bestelmeyer and Jean Steiner} } @article {49867, title = {Effects of adding protein, condensed tannins, and polyethylene glycol to diets of sheep and goats fed one-seed juniper and low quality roughage}, journal = {Small Ruminant Research}, volume = {112}, year = {2013}, month = {04/2013}, pages = {56-68}, chapter = {56}, abstract = {

The biochemical mechanisms that limit voluntary intake of one-seed juniper by browsing ruminants are not well understood. Twelve Rambouillet ewes (78 \± 2.3 kg BW) and 12 Boer-Spanish does (54 \± 1.4 kg BW) were used in a split-plot sequence design to investigate the effects of adding protein, quebracho tannins (QTs), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) on one-seed juniper intake and preference and on ruminal VFA and plasma AA concentrations. Animals received sudangrass hay and isoenergetic basal diets (4 does and 4 ewes/diet) with either rumen degradable (RDP) or rumen undegradable (RUP) protein (12.5\% CP) or no additional protein (control, 5\% CP) during four 15-d periods. The control, RDP, and RUP diets were considered the main plot, whereas the four supplement treatments were analyzed as the split-plot effects. Period 1 allowed for adaptation to basal diets and served as a baseline phase. In periods 2-4, animals were offered juniper leaves and twigs (period 2), juniper plus QT (10\% of basal diet; period 3), and juniper plus QT plus PEG (50 g/animal; period 4). Juniper intake by sheep and goats was not affected (P \> 0.88) by RDP or RUP when animals were first exposed to juniper, but marginally increased (P \< 0.10) in period 4 (QT + PEG) regardless of the basal diet. Prior exposure to juniper did not affect (P = 0.61) the preference ratio for juniper, but goats had higher preference ratio for juniper (P \< 0.01) when receiving PEG (period 4). Concentrations of total VFA tended to increase in sheep (P = 0.10) and goats (P = 0.14) fed protein supplements and molar proportions shifted toward acetate for goats fed RDP and RUP (P = 0.07) and to butyrate for sheep fed RDP (P = 0.01). Initial juniper exposure (period 2) elevated concentrations of acetate, propionate, and butyrate (P \< 0.01), but the effect was extinguished in periods 3 and 4 with addition of QT (P \< 0.05). Supplementation with PEG transiently mitigated the depressor effect of QT on acetate, propionate, and butyrate concentration at 12 h post juniper feeding (P \< 0.01). RDP in goats and to a greater extent RUP in sheep increased plasma concentrations of various AA, especially the branched chained Val, Ile, and Leu (P \< 0.05). Plasma concentrations of several AA, including Met, Cyst, Glu, Gly, Gln, Asn, Thr, Ser, and Phe, decreased with ingestion of juniper (period 2) and juniper plus QT (period 3). Concentrations of some AA that were depressed by ingestion of juniper and QT were partially restored with supplemental PEG (P \< 0.05). Protein, terpenes, tannins, and PEG interacted to influence rumen VFA and plasma AA, which were related to intake of juniper and basal diets.

}, keywords = {goats, juniper, rumen degradabe protein, rumen undegradable protein, sheep, terpenes}, doi = {10.1016/j.smallrumres.2012.09.006}, url = {/files/bibliography/13-012.pdf}, author = {S. A. Utsumi and Andr{\'e}s F. Cibils and Richard E. Estell and S. Soto-Navarro and Cheng, L. and Hallford, D.M.} } @proceedings {JRN54550, title = {Terpene profile of one-seed juniper saplings explains differential herbivory by small ruminants}, volume = {p. 30}, year = {2012}, month = {05/2012}, publisher = {Wildland Shrub Symposium}, address = {Las Cruces, NM}, abstract = {A study was conducted in central New Mexico to examine the relationship between terpene profile and one-seed juniper sapling herbivory by sheep and goats. Fifteen does (47.9 {\textpm} 1.1 kg) and four ewes (69.2 {\textpm} 0.9 kg) were allotted to 16 paddocks (20 x 30m) for 6 days in summer 2006 and spring 2007. Leaves and twigs from 311 browsed saplings (small [< 0.5 m], medium [0.5-1.0 m] or tall [>1.0 m] saplings that received low [< 33\%], moderate [33-66\%] or heavy [> 66\%] herbivory) were collected the same day they were browsed and stored for chemical analysis. The terpene profile contained a total of 66 compounds that included a diverse set of hydrocarbon and oxygenated mono- and sesquiterpenes and a few diterpenes. Total terpene concentration was higher (P < 0.001) in spring (20.6 {\textpm} 0.5 mg/g; mean {\textpm} SE) than summer (16.7 {\textpm} 0.3 mg/g), lower (P < 0.001) in small saplings (16.5 {\textpm} 0.6 mg/g) compared to medium (19.8 {\textpm} 0.4 mg/g) and tall (19.5 {\textpm} 0.4 mg/g) saplings and lower (P < 0.001) in heavily defoliated saplings (16.1 {\textpm} 0.4 mg/g) vs. moderately (18.7 {\textpm} 0.5 mg/g) or lightly (21.2 {\textpm} 0.6 mg/g) browsed counterparts. A subset of 14 compounds ([E]-{\ss}-farnesene, cis-sabinene hydrate, bornyl acetate, {\textquoteright}-eudesmol, germacrene A, cis-piperitol, cis-p-menth-2-en-1-ol, trans-piperitol acetate + terpin-4-ol acetate, [Z]-{\ss}-ocimene, terpin-4-ol, camphene hydrate, a-humelene, 8-a-11-elemodiol, {\ss}-elemene), most of which occurred at relatively low concentrations, explained 45\% of sapling discrimination (P < 0.001) into high, moderate and low herbivory categories. Results support the hypothesis that one-seed juniper terpene chemistry is related to the extent of sapling herbivory by small ruminants, sapling size, and season.}, author = {S. A. Utsumi and Andr{\'e}s F. Cibils and Richard E. Estell} } @article {50063, title = {One-Seed Juniper Sapling Use by Goats in Relation to Stocking Density and Mixed Grazing With Sheep}, journal = {Rangeland Ecology \& Management}, volume = {63}, number = {3}, year = {2010}, note = {doi: 10.2111/08-215.1}, pages = {373-386}, publisher = {Society for Range Management}, abstract = {To successfully suppress reinvasion of one-seed juniper (Juniper monosperma [Englem.] Sarg.) with goats, defoliation of newly established saplings must be enhanced to levels that eventually kill or suppress plant growth. We tested the effect of stocking density and mixed grazing with sheep as potential grazing strategies to increase utilization of one-seed juniper saplings by goats. In summer and spring, groups of 10 does (Goats alone, GA) or 5 does and 4 ewes (Mixed grazing, MG), grazed 20 x 30 m cells infested with saplings (500-533/ha; 0.8 m tall), either continuously for 6 days (Low stocking density, LD) or with daily rotation through 10x10m cells during the 6 day period (High stocking density, HD) in a block design. Frequency of saplings with light, moderate and heavy bark and foliage use, feeding activity, juniper in feces, and utilization of herbaceous vegetation were determined. Goats in HD treatment spent more time feeding on saplings, less time feeding on herbaceous forages, and tended to achieve diets with more juniper than goats in LD. Utilization of herbaceous vegetation ranged from 52 to 73\% and was higher for MG than GA and for LD than HD. The MG-HD treatment resulted in highest frequency of short saplings (< 0.5m) with high percent (> 66\%) of defoliated branches in summer and spring, and lowest frequency of saplings with low percent (< 33\%) of debarked branches in spring. Heavy defoliation was more frequent in shorter saplings, whereas heavy debarking occurred mostly in tall saplings. The results of this study suggest that stocking density and mixed grazing stimulate feeding behaviors that increase utilization of juniper saplings by goats.}, keywords = {diet mixing, grazing systems, targeted grazing, uniper control}, isbn = {1550-7424}, doi = {10.2111/08-215.1}, url = {http://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/58280}, author = {S. A. Utsumi and Andr{\'e}s F. Cibils and Richard E. Estell and Terrell T. Baker and J.W. Walker} } @article {50149, title = {Faunalpedturbation effects of soil microarthropods in the Negev Desert}, journal = {Journal of Arid Environments}, volume = {73}, year = {2009}, month = {2009}, pages = {907-911}, chapter = {907}, abstract = {

Soil microarthropod communities in seed-harvester ant-nest (Messor spp.) soils and pits excavated by porcupines (Hystrix indica) were examined on a hill-slope catena in the Negev Desert to test the hypothesis that animal-produced soil disturbances increase abundance and diversity of soil biota. There were significantly fewer arthropods and lower taxonomic diversity of soil microarthropods at the top and mid-slope locations, with no consistent patterns of abundance between cool-wet and hot-dry seasons. Some prostigmatids, cryptostigmatids, and other arthropods in ant-nest, porcupine-pit, and undisturbed soils were more abundant in wet than dry seasons at some locations but more abundant in the hot-dry season at other locations and sample sites. Seven prostigmatid mite families that were relatively abundant in undisturbed soils were absent or of low abundance in ant-nest modified and porcupine-pit soils at mid- and low-slope catena locations. The data result in rejection of the hypothesis. However, the significant effects of topographic position on the catena on soil microarthropod communities emphasize the importance of examining broad spatial patterns and temporal variation before making generalizations about the effects of ecological engineers on arid ecosystem structure and function.

}, keywords = {catena, cryptostigmatids, ecological engineers, prostigmatids, soil mites, taxonomic diversity, taxonomic richness}, doi = {10.1016/j.jaridenv.2009.04.001}, url = {/files/bibliography/09-015.pdf}, author = {Ukabi, S. and Walter G. Whitford and Yosef Steinberger} } @article {50150, title = {Seasonal changes in one seed juniper intake by sheep and goats in relation to dietary protein and plant secondary metabolites}, journal = {Small Ruminant Research}, volume = {81}, year = {2009}, month = {2009/02/19}, pages = {152-162}, abstract = {Seasonal variation in plant secondary metabolites (PSM) can influence voluntary intake levels of one-seed juniper (Juniperus monosperma Englem. Sarg.) of sheep and goats. Supplemental nutrients could mitigate the deterrent effects of juniper PSM. We determined the concentration of mono-and sesqui- terpenes, total phenolics and condensed tannins in one-seed juniper leaves in summer, fall, winter, and spring, and tested their effects on juniper intake of 12 Western White Face ewes (74.9 {\textpm} 1.23 kg) and 12 Boer-Spanish does (46.7 {\textpm} 1.25 kg) fed isoenergetic diets (1.6\% BW) with no supplemental protein (Control, 5\% CP) or with addition of a rumen degradable (RDP, 12.5\% CP) or undegradable (RUP, 12.5\% CP) protein supplement. Animals were fed unrestricted amounts of freshly harvested juniper branches for 30 min and short-term juniper intake was determined for 10 d per season. Total terpenes, total phenolics, and condensed tannins varied across seasons (P<0.05), and were positively correlated to each other (P<0.05). Juniper intake was greater for goats than sheep (P<0.05), and twice as high for supplemented vs. control animals (P<0.05). Juniper intake in the fall, when levels of plant secondary metabolites were highest, was 41, 58, and 52\% less than in summer, winter, and spring (P<0.05), respectively. Supplements with RDP and RUP promoted different patterns of juniper intake among seasons (P<0.05), herbivores (P<0.05), and individual animals (P<0.05). This study suggests that supplemental protein can increase voluntary intake of one-seed juniper of small ruminants during seasons when plant secondary metabolite levels are low. Proteins of different degradability appear to affect seasonal patterns of juniper intake differently.}, keywords = {goats, journal, juniper, protein supplements, ruminant, secondary metabolites, sheep}, url = {/files/bibliography/09-006.pdf}, author = {S. A. Utsumi and Andr{\'e}s F. Cibils and Richard E. Estell and S. Soto-Navarro and D. VanLeeuwen} } @conference {50292, title = {Effects of one-seed juniper and polyethylene glycol on intake, rumen fermentation, and plasma amino acids in sheep and goats fed supplemental protein and tannins.}, booktitle = {Journal of Animal Science}, volume = {86}, number = {(E-Supple. 2)}, year = {2008}, month = {July 7, 2008}, pages = {224}, abstract = {We tested the effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG) on juniper and total intake, rumen fermentation, and plasma amino acids (AA) of 12 does and 12 ewes fed sudangrass and basal diets containing 10\% quebracho tannins with no protein supplement (Control; 5\% CP) or high rumen degradable (RDP 15\% CP) or undegradable (RUP 15\% CP) protein supplement. After 15 days of exposure to non-restrictive amounts of juniper leaves, sudangrass, and basal diets (period 1), animals received an additional 50 g of PEG for a second 15-d period. Blood and ruminal fluid samples were collected on the last 2 d of each period to determine AA and VFA ({\textmu}M). Analyses followed a split-plot design with periods with or without PEG treated as a sub-plot factor. Juniper intake did not differ between species (P > 0.05) or supplements (P > 0.05), but increased with addition of PEG in period 2 (Period 1 vs. 2: 4.3 vs. 10.8 g/kg 0.75; P < 0.01). Total intake and intake of sudangrass and basal diets were higher for sheep than goats (P < 0.01) and differed between supplements and periods (supplement x period, P < 0.05). Polyethylene glycol stimulated higher intakes of basal diet for Control and RDP, and of sudangrass for RUP. Total VFA was higher for sheep than goats (P < 0.05) and decreased from period 1 to period 2 with supplemental PEG in sheep (70.6 vs. 62.1; species x period, P < 0.05) and with RDP (67.3 vs. 58.6; supplement x period, P < 0.05). Acetate and propionate differed between periods with or without PEG in the same manner as total VFA. Total AA and some individual AA differed between species (sheep > goats), supplements (RUP = RDP > Control), and periods (P < 0.05). Increased juniper intake with PEG in period 2 was associated with lower plasma GLY, THR, SER, ASP, MET, GLU, PHE, CYST, GLN, ORN, LYS, HIS, and TRP. Polyethylene glycol increased juniper intake and decreased several plasma AA when tannin-rich foods with varying CP were fed.}, keywords = {abstract, goats, one-seed juniper, polyethylene glycol, rumen, sheep}, author = {S. A. Utsumi and Andr{\'e}s F. Cibils and Richard E. Estell and S. Soto-Navarro and Hallford, D.M.} } @conference {50290, title = {Effects of one-seed juniper on intake, rumen fermentation, and plasma amino acids in sheep and goats fed supplemental protein}, booktitle = {Journal of Animal Science}, volume = {86}, number = {E-supple. 2}, year = {2008}, month = {July 7, 2008}, pages = {223}, abstract = {We tested the effect of feeding one-seed juniper on total intake, VFA profile, and plasma amino acids (AA) of 12 does and 12 ewes fed sudangrass and a basal diet with no protein supplement (Control; 5\% CP) or rumen degradable (SBM; RDP 15\% CP) or undegradable (FM; RUP 15\% CP) protein supplement. After 15 d of adaptation to sudangrass and basal diets (period 1), animals received one-seed juniper leaves in addition to sudangrass and basal diets during a second 15-d period. Each food was fed separately during 3-h periods at 10\% of previous day intake. Blood and ruminal fluid samples were collected on the last 2 d of each period to determine plasma AA, VFA ({\textmu}M), and rumen pH. Analyses followed a split-plot design with periods with or without juniper as a sub-plot factor. Juniper intake did not vary between species (P = 0.54) or supplement treatments (P = 0.93; 4.7 g/kg0.75). Total intake (TI), basal diet intake (BDI), and sudangrass intake (SGI) were unaffected by supplements, were higher for sheep than goats (P < 0.01), and decreased with juniper feeding in period 2 (P < 0.01). Total intake, BDI, and SGI for periods 1 and 2 were 54.9 vs. 47.6, 36.7 vs. 31.5, and 18.2 vs. 11.5 g/kg0.75, respectively. Total VFA, acetate (Ac), and propionate (Pr) increased with juniper in period 2 (P < 0.01; period 1 vs. 2, VFA: 63.9 vs. 79.4; Ac: 47.5 vs. 60.5; Pr: 9.3 vs. 11.7). Rumen pH averaged 6.4 and did not differ between supplements, species, or periods. Total AA and some individual AA differed between supplements (RUP = RDP > Control), species (goats > sheep), and decreased with juniper feeding in period 2 (P < 0.05). Juniper intake in period 2 was associated with decreased plasma ALA, GLY, THR, SER, ASP, MET, GLU, PHE, CYST, TYR, and TRP. These data suggest one-seed juniper in sheep and goat diets depresses intake, but may increase VFA and requirements for certain amino acids.}, keywords = {abstract, goats, juniper, one-seed, sheep}, author = {S. A. Utsumi and Andr{\'e}s F. Cibils and Richard E. Estell and S. Soto-Navarro and Hallford, D.M.} } @proceedings {50294, title = {How Does targeted grazing with small ruminants influence subsequent patch use by mule deer and cattle?}, year = {2008}, month = {July 18, 2008}, pages = {21-22}, address = {Corona, NM}, abstract = {Small ruminants are increasingly being used in controlled grazing programs to target undesirable vegetation. It has not been determined how targeted juniper browsing affects subsequent use of those patches by cattle and wildlife. To determine whether cattle or mule deer used or avoided patches that had been intensively browsed by sheep and goats, presence of deer and cattle on patches of juniper infested rangeland that had previously been subjected to four targeted grazing prescriptions were monitored. Digital cameras with infrared motion sensors were installed in 10 plots and maintained for one year after intensive grazing by small ruminants. Four single large patches (20 x 30 m) and four patches containing six small (10 x 10 m) plots subjected previously to browsing by goats or goats plus sheep at high (10 m2/AU/day) or low (60 m2/AU/day) stocking density were used (two replicates per treatment), and two other large plots without previous intensive targeted grazing served as controls. Selection indices (frequency of animals in plots compared to control plots) were determined. Both deer and cattle avoided large patches that had been previously browsed by sheep and goats. These patches had received heaviest use of herbaceous vegetation the previous summer (> 73\%). Deer selected small patches that had previously been browsed by sheep and goats (SI: 2.24), whereas cattle selected large patches (SI: 1.50) and avoided small patches (SI: 0.59) that had been browsed by goats alone. Cattle showed greatest preference for grazed patches during summer (SI: 3.18), while deer avoided them during summer (SI: 0.20) and spring (SI: 0.13). Presence of cattle on a given patch reduced the probability of mule deer presence.}, keywords = {cattle, Corona, mule deer, proceedings, small ruminants}, url = {/files/bibliography/08-036.pdf}, author = {S. A. Utsumi and Andr{\'e}s F. Cibils and Richard E. Estell and Boren, J. and Brad Cooper and S.H. Cox and D. VanLeeuwen} } @conference {50293, title = {One-seed juniper use by goats: Influence of stocking density and mixed grazing in summer and spring}, booktitle = {Society for Range Management Annual Meeting}, series = {Society for Range Management Annual Meeting}, year = {2008}, month = {January 26-31, 2}, pages = {1952}, address = {Louisville, KY}, abstract = {

Targeted grazing with goats could be used to suppress one-seed juniper (Juniperus monosperma) sapling invasion if suitable grazing techniques are identified and applied. We examined the effects of stocking density and mixed grazing with sheep on utilization of herbaceous vegetation and juniper saplings (\< 2m) by Boer-Spanish goats in summer and spring. The study was a 2x2 factorial with two herbivores and two stocking densities. Ten goats (Goats alone) or five nannies mixed with four Rambouillet ewes (Mixed grazing) were placed in 10x10 m plots for one day (High Density) or 20x30 m plots for six days (Low Density). Stocking rate for both treatments was 1.1 AU/ha/yr. There were two complete blocks in each season. Time spent feeding on juniper (TFJ; \%) and utilization of herbaceous vegetation (UHV; \%) were determined. There were no differences in TFJ (P=0.99) nor UHV (P=0.27) between seasons. TFJ varied by herbivore and density treatment (herbivore x density: P = 0.16). Goats spent more time feeding on juniper in high vs. low stocking density treatments (P=0.01), although differences in TFJ among stocking density treatments were larger in mixed grazing plots (34.4 vs. 17.7\% \± 3.5) than in plots where goats grazed alone (28.2 vs. 22.2\% \± 3.6). UHV was higher in low vs. high stocking density plots (67.0 vs. 59.6\% \± 2.3; P=0.05) and in plots with mixed grazing vs. goats grazing alone (69.8 vs. 56.9\% \± 2.4; P\<0.01). High density grazing and mixed grazing with goats and sheep can increase the use of juniper by goats. Low density grazing appears to encourage selective grazing which results in more intensive use of herbaceous understory. Overall, stocking density and mixed grazing are two promising techniques to manipulate juniper and herbaceous plant utilization in targeted grazing programs with goats.

}, keywords = {abstract, abstracts, density, juniper, one-seed}, author = {S. A. Utsumi and Andr{\'e}s F. Cibils and Richard E. Estell and J.W. Walker} } @article {50291, title = {Targeted grazing of one seed juniper sapling with small ruminants: Influence of stocking density and mixed grazing in summer and spring}, year = {2008}, month = {June 15, 2008}, pages = {49}, abstract = {A study was conducted to examine the potential for targeted grazing of one seed juniper saplings with small ruminants. A 2x2 factorial design was used consisting of targeted grazing application with sheep and goats at two stocking densities in spring and summer. Ten female goats or five goats plus four ewes were placed on 10x10 m plots for 1 day (high density treatment) or 20x30 m plots for 6 days (low density treatment) with 2 replicates per treatment per season. Stocking rate for both treatments was 1.1 AU/ha/yr. Time spent feeding on juniper and utilization of herbaceous vegetation did not differ between seasons. Goats spent more time feeding on juniper in the high density stocking treatment vs low density, although differences were greater in mixed species plots (34.4 vs 17.7\%) than in plots with only goats (28.2 vs 22.2\%). Utilization of herbaceous vegetation was greater in low vs high density stocking (67.0 vs 59.6; P = 0.05), and for mixed vs single species grazing (69.8 vs56.9); P < 0.01). Targeted grazing at high stocking density with sheep and goats may be a tool for increasing juniper use by goats. Low density grazing appears to encourage selective grazing and more intense utilization of the understory.}, keywords = {annual report, one seed juniper, ruminants, saplings, western regiona}, author = {S. A. Utsumi and Andr{\'e}s F. Cibils and Richard E. Estell and J.W. Walker} } @proceedings {50295, title = {Targeted grazing with small ruminants to control encroachment of one-seed juniper saplings}, year = {2008}, month = {July 18, 2008}, pages = {19-20}, address = {Corona, NM}, abstract = {Shrub encroachment into rangelands is a concern for livestock producers. A study was conducted to determine whether targeted grazing with small ruminants could be used to suppress one-seed juniper sapling growth. Since most domestic ruminants avoid feeding on juniper, this study focused on approaches to boost shrub browsing intensity to levels that would kill or cripple sapling growth without permanently damaging the grass understory. We tested use of goats or mixed species (goats plus sheep) during two periods of growth (summer and spring) at two stocking densities (10 and 60 m2/AU/day) with two replicates per treatment. Animals tended to strip needles and thin stems from young saplings, whereas impacts on older saplings consisted mainly of bark stripping. Mixed species high-density stocking resulted in the fewest tall saplings (> 1 m) in the low utilization category (< 33\% of branches defoliated), the most small (<0.5 m) saplings with heavy use (> 66\% of branches defoliated), and the fewest saplings with low (< 33\%) bark stripping during spring. Fecal analysis indicated juniper intake accounted for about 25\% of animal diets across treatments. A great deal of animal to animal variation was observed, with juniper intake accounting for up to 60\% of some individual animal diets. Season did not affect time spent feeding on juniper or understory utilization. Rate of sapling kill and vegetation characteristics are currently being monitored. Results suggest mixed grazing at high stocking density can boost utilization of juniper saplings by goats.}, keywords = {Corona, juniper, proceedings, ruminants, saplings}, url = {/files/bibliography/08-037.pdf}, author = {S. A. Utsumi and Andr{\'e}s F. Cibils and Richard E. Estell and J.W. Walker and S.H. Cox} } @conference {50395, title = {One seed juniper intake by sheep and goats supplemented with degradable or by-pass protein}, booktitle = {Society for Range Management Meeting Proceedings}, year = {2007}, month = {February 9-16, 2}, pages = {Paper No. 448}, address = {Reno/Sparks, NV}, abstract = {Successful prescribed grazing of one seed juniper (Juniperus monosperma Englem. Sarg.) with sheep and goats may depend on identifying times of the year when juniper terpenoid levels are less likely to deter herbivory and could be contingent on the use of protein supplements to help animals detoxify terpenes and boost intake. We conducted pen trials with sheep and goats to determine if individual juniper intake varied seasonally (summer, fall, winter, or spring) or was affected by the amount and kind of crude protein (CP) in the diet. Twelve Ramboullet ewes and 12 Spanish-boer goats were offered a basal diet of sudangrass or bermudagrass hay with either no protein added (Control diet: 5\% CP), or with soybean meal (degradable CP: DCP) or fishmeal (by-pass CP:BPCP) to achieve two treatment diets with 12.5\% CP each. Diets were offered at 1.6\% of body weight (BW) to each animal for 10 days of adaptation and 10 days of data collection in each season. Juniper trials were a 30 min feeding bout on juniper branches (175g) attached to wooden stands (0.8 m height). Juniper intake per unit of BW (J1) varied amoung herbivore species. J1 varied among diets (P=0.02) was highest for animals receiving the DCP and BPCP supplements and lowest for control animals. J1 also varied among seasons, intermediate in spring and summer, and lowest during the fall. Sheep and, especially, goats could be used in prescribed grazing programs to suppress juniper re-invasion. Great suppression could be expected from goats browsing during winter, provided that protein levels are sufficient to allow animals to detoxify terpenoids.}, keywords = {by-pass protein, goats, juniper, sheep}, author = {S. A. Utsumi and Andr{\'e}s F. Cibils and Richard E. Estell and S. Soto-Navarro} } @conference {50396, title = {Sheep and goats as tool to suppress juniper encroachment: Influence of stocking density and mixed grazing during summer}, booktitle = {Society for Range Management Annual Meeting}, year = {2007}, month = {February 9-16, 2}, pages = {Paper No. 447}, address = {Reno/Sparks, NV}, abstract = {Grazing trials were conducted to evaluate the use of prescribed grazing by sheep and goats to suppress one-seed juniper (Juniperus monosperma Englem. Sarg.) sapling reinvasion. A 2x2 factorial experiment was conducted with Goats (G) or Goats + Sheep (G+S) at high or low stocking densities (SD). Ten crossbreed Angora nannies (1.1 AU) or 5 nannies of the same breed mixed with 4 Ramboullet ewes (1.1 AU) grazed either 1 juniper invaded plot of 20 x 30 m for 6 days (LD) or 6 similar subplots of 10 x 10 m for 1 day (HD) in each of 2 blocks. Animals grazed from sunrise to sunset, were penned at night and received a protein supplement (45\% CP) at a rate of 0.4\% BW, daily. No effect of SD, herbivore (G, G+S), or their interaction was found on juniper utilization. Animals removed on average 38.3\% of the length of marked juniper sapling branches. Understory grazing intensity differed between G or G+S (P=0.02) and SD (P=0.05) treatments. G+S removed 71.3 \% of the available herbaceous biomass whereas G removed 64.7 \%. Greater understory grazing intensity was observed under LD (70.4 \%) compared to HD (65.0 \%). Goats spent more time feeding on juniper compared to sheep (Goats: 24.5\%, Sheep: 7.7\%, P<0.01), whereas the opposite occurred with herbaceous vegetation (Goats: 76.0 \%, Sheep: 92.3 \%; P< 0.01). Stocking density did not influence time spent feeding juniper or herbaceous understory (P=0.08). Goats in HD and LD grazing treatments spent similar time feeding on juniper (P=0.09). Prescribed high density grazing with goats alone, rather than goats and sheep, could promote acceptable juniper sapling use along with lower damage on herbaceous vegetation. Juniper sapling responses to the treatments imposed in this study will be monitored through time.}, keywords = {goats, grazing, one-seed juniper, sheep}, author = {S. A. Utsumi and Andr{\'e}s F. Cibils and Richard E. Estell} } @article {50513, title = {Influence of plant material handling protocols on terpenoid profiles of one-seed Juniper saplings}, journal = {Rangeland Ecology and Management}, volume = {59}, year = {2006}, month = {November 1, 2006}, pages = {668-673}, abstract = {Accurate estimation of one-seed juniper (Juniperus monosperma (Englem). Sarg.) intake by goats and sheep often requires harvesting, transporting, and storing plant material that is later used in pen experiments. Such manipulation could alter terpenoid profiles and modify herbivory levels significantly. We used gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to analyze the terpenoid profile of the ethanol extract of leaves of small and large one-seed juniper saplings subjected to three different handling protocols. Plant materials were either: a) placed on dry ice after clipping and then at -80\º C until analysis (Control); b) stored at ambient temperature during the first 24 hours and then frozen; or c) stored at ambient temperature during the first 24 hours, and then stored at 8\ºC for 3 weeks. Juniper saplings contained a mixture of 51 terpenoids, three of which were unknown compounds. Only 14 terpenoids accounted for 95\% of the total volatiles extracted. Alpha-pinene was the most abundant compound, accounting for 65\% of total terpenoid concentration. Total terpenoid content did not differ among handling protocol treatments (Control: 21,682.19 \±1,424.72 \&$\#$39;g g-1 DM; Frozen after 24 h: 19,553.63 \±1,081.88 \&$\#$39;g g-1 DM; Refrigerated for three weeks: 18,799.89 \±1,126.03 \&$\#$39;g g-1 DM). Handling protocols appeared to induce only slight variations in a small number of minor terpenes. We detected large among-plant variation in terpenoid profiles that was not fully explained by sapling size. This study suggests that juniper feeding trials can be simplified using plant material stored at 8\ºC for three weeks without significant alteration of terpenoid profiles. Among-plant variation in chemical composition, however, must be considered in pen feeding trials. http://www.bioone.org/perlserv/?request=get-pdf\&doi=10.2111\%2F06-010R1.1}, keywords = {gas chromatography, handling protocols, one seed juniper, terpenoids}, url = {/files/bibliography/06-041.pdf}, author = {S. A. Utsumi and Andr{\'e}s F. Cibils and Richard E. Estell and Yi Wang} } @conference {50512, title = {One Seed Juniper Intake by Sheep and Goats Supplemented with Degradable or By-Pass Protein}, booktitle = {14th Wildland Shrub Symposium}, year = {2006}, month = {June 6-8, 2006}, abstract = {Suppression of one-seed juniper (Juniperus monosperma Englem. Sarg.) re-invasion into previously cleared woodlands is an increasingly challenging endeavor for New Mexico ranchers. Prescribed burn regulations are becoming more stringent, herbicide application is often costly, and demands by the general public to conduct management perceived as being environment-friendly are increasing rapidly. Prescribed grazing with sheep and goats is an alternative suppression method that could be used within the land management constraints described above. A successful prescribed grazing plan, however, may depend on identifying times of the year when juniper terpenoid levels are less likely to deter herbivory and may be contingent on the use of supplements to help animals detoxify terpenes and boost intake. We conducted a pen experiment with sheep and goats to determine if individual juniper intake varied seasonally (summer, fall or winter) or was affected by the amount and kind of crude protein (CP) in the diet. Twelve Ramboullet ewes and 12 Spanish-Boer goats were offered a basal diet of sudangrass hay with either no protein added (Control diet: 5\% CP), or with soybean meal (degradable CP: DCP) or fishmeal (by-pass CP: BPCP) to achieve two treatment diets with 12.5 \% CP each. Diets were offered at 1.6\% of body weight (BW) to each animal for 10 days during each season. Overnight fasting (10 h) was applied prior to juniper browsing trials that were conducted during the morning hours. Juniper trials consisted of a 30 min feeding bout on juniper branches (175g) attached to wooden stands (0.8 m height). Juniper intake ({\textpm} 1 g) was calculated as the difference between pre- and post- trial juniper biomass corrected by the water loss of 5 control juniper stands. Juniper intake per unit of BW (JI) varied among herbivore species and was greater for goats than sheep (Goats: 0.54g kgBW-1 vs. Sheep: 0.23g kgBW-1). JI varied among diets and was highest for animals receiving the DCP (0.5g kgBW-1) and BPCP (0.41g kgBW-1) supplements and lowest for control animals (0.25g kgBW-1). JI also varied among seasons and was highest in winter (0.54g kgBW-1), intermediate in summer (0.38g kgBW-1) and lowest during the fall (0.23g kgBW-1). Sheep and, especially, goats could be used in prescribed grazing programs to suppress juniper re-invasion. Greater suppression could be expected from goats browsing during winter, provided that protein levels are sufficient to allow animals to detoxify terpenoids.}, keywords = {ewes, goats, juniper, prescribed burn}, author = {S. A. Utsumi and Andr{\'e}s F. Cibils and Richard E. Estell and S. Soto-Navarro and Ross, T.T. and S. Ivey and M.K. Petersen and Biacomini, M. and S.H. Cox and M. Rubio} } @conference {50514, title = {One Seed Juniper Intake by Sheep and Goats Supplemented with Degradable or By-Pass Protein}, booktitle = {New Mexico Section Range Science Winter Meetings}, year = {2006}, month = {January 12-13, 2}, address = {Las Cruces, NM}, abstract = {Re-invasion of one seed juniper previously cleared woodlands is a concern of range managers throughout the southwestern United States. Prescribed browsing with sheep and goats could be used as a juniper control method. Success with this tool may depend on improving the herbivore{\textquoteright}s ability to detoxify plant terpenoids in order to induce levels of herbivory that are likely to suppress juniper growth and recruitment. Our objective was to test the effect of two kinds of protein supplementation on juniper consumption by sheep and goats. One seed juniper intake was compared in sheep and goats fed diets varying in amount and quality of crude protein during three seasons (summer, fall, and winter). Goats consumed significantly more juniper than ewes and protein supplements more than doubled juniper intake by both sheep and goats. Goats aggressively defoliated juniper branches, while sheep consumed leaves in a more selective manner. In summary, sheep and goats have potential for use to suppress juniper sapling encroachment. Goats consumed more juniper and protein supplements had a stronger influence on juniper intake of goats.}, keywords = {goats, juniper, protein, sheep}, author = {S. A. Utsumi and Andr{\'e}s F. Cibils and Richard E. Estell and S. Soto-Navarro and Ross, T.T. and S. Ivey and Giacomini, M. and M.K. Petersen and S.H. Cox and M. Rubio} } @conference {50511, title = {Sheep and goat grazing as a tool to mange encroachment of one-seed juniper (Juniperus monosperma Engelm. Sarg.)}, booktitle = {III Simposium Internacional de Pastizales}, year = {2006}, month = {August 9-11, 200}, pages = {13}, address = {Chihuahua, Mexico}, abstract = {The efficacy of using prescribed grazing by sheep and goats to suppress one-seed juniper re-invasion could be improved by providing adequate nutrients to help animals detoxify plant terpenes. We analyzed the terpenoid chemistry of one-seed juniper leaves and conducted feeding trials with 12 Ramboullet ewes and 12 Boer-Spanish nannies to determine if juniper intake (JI) varied seasonally (summer, fall or winter) or was affected by the amount and kind of crude protein (CP) available to detoxify terpenes. Diets were a sudangrass (Sorghum sudanensis) hay with either no protein added (Control diet: 5\% CP), or with soybean meal (degradable CP: DCP; 12.5\% CP) or fishmeal (by-pass CP: BPCP; 12.5\% CP). Juniper trials were conducted for 10 days in each season and consisted of a 30 min feeding bout on juniper branches (175g) attached to wooden stands (0.8 m height). Juniper leaves contained 51 terpenoids, 14 represented 95 \% of the total terpenoid amount, and {\'a}-pinene was the most abundant terpene (65\%). Juniper intake was greater for goats (0.54g kgBW-1) than Sheep (0.23g kgBW-1), and was higher for animals receiving the DCP (0.5g kgBW-1) and BPCP (0.41g kgBW-1) supplements than for control animals (0.25g kgBW-1). JI also varied among seasons (winter: 0.54g kgBW-1; summer: 0.38g kgBW-1; fall: 0.23g kgBW-1). Sheep and, especially, goats could be used in prescribed grazing programs to suppress juniper re-invasion. Greater suppression could be expected from goats browsing during winter, provided that protein levels are sufficient to allow them to detoxify terpenes efficiently.}, keywords = {goat, sheep, uniper}, author = {S. A. Utsumi and Andr{\'e}s F. Cibils and Richard E. Estell and S. Soto-Navarro} } @article {50948, title = {Extending community ecology to landscapes}, journal = {Ecoscience}, volume = {9}, number = {2}, year = {2002}, month = {April 1, 2002}, pages = {200-212}, abstract = {A goal of landscape ecology is to infer processes or constraints that generate spatial pattern in communities and ecosystems. The rich tradition of plant community ecology is now being extended to address spatial pattern in vegetation over large spatial extents. The challenge is that vegetation pattern oil landscapes is fine-grained, which presents sampling problems for large study areas. Further, spatial autocorrelation in ecological data, coupled with strong patterns of correlation among environmental factors (such as the gradient complexes governed by elevation), makes it difficult to make clear inferences about the agents patterning landscape-scale vegetation. Here we review the methods of plant community ecology as extended to landscapes and illustrate the challenges with a case study from Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park in California{\textquoteright}s southern Sierra Nevada. We outline an iterative approach to such studies with three stages. The first stage is a pilot study to characterize spatial scaling of environmental factors presumed to be important to vegetation; this stage can often be conducted virtually using digital terrain data. The second stage is iterative and consists of building a preliminary explanatory model using a combination of ordination, classification, and Mantel tests: all analyses based on the same ecological distance or dissimilarity matrices. This preliminary model is then attacked to find its uncertain or sensitive parts, and these parametric conditions are mapped into geographic space to identify candidate sites for follow up field studies in the third stage. This approach ensures the most uncertain aspects of the preliminary model are refined in an efficient manner. As the approach proceeds toward a richer understanding of species environment relationships and vegetation pattern, a need emerges for new kinds of field studies and novel extensions to existing statistical analyses. We discuss possible extensions of these as a natural consequence of this iterative process of model construction and revision.}, url = {http://www.unc.edu/~trl3/pubs/Urbanetal02.pdf}, author = {D.L. Urban and Sarah Goslee and Pierce, K. and Lookingbill, T.} } @article {51980, title = {Decomposition rates of various quantities of buried litter in a desert}, journal = {The Southwestern Naturalist}, volume = {28}, year = {1983}, note = {//NMSU//NONE, LTER//}, month = {1983}, pages = {111-112}, abstract = {

Creosobebush (Larrea tridentata) fine litter was treated with either the general biocide HgCl2 and CuSO4 or water (controls) and buried 5 cm beneath the soil surface in the northern Chihuahuan Desert. The treated litter showed significantly less mass loss than controls during the three month summer-autumn field study; controls lost about 20\% of the original mass while treated litter lost less than 2\%. In addition, the total nitrogen content of the control litter increased from an initial concentration of about 14.08 g kg-1 to 17.62 g kg-1 dry weight by the end of the study, while treated litter nitrogen content decreased to 13.30 g kg-1. Results suggest abiotic processes other than leaching have little effect on the decomposition of buried litter in this environment.

}, keywords = {article, articles, decomposition, buried litter, decomposition,litter,Larrea, journal, journals, Larrea, decomposition, litter,Larrea decomposition}, url = {files/bibliography/JRN00006_0.pdf}, author = {Urbaniak, Sandra and Walter G. Whitford} } @article {52591, title = {Range research contributes to progress in range management}, journal = {Cattleman}, volume = {25}, number = {11}, year = {1939}, note = {//??//NONE//}, month = {1939}, pages = {65, 67-69}, keywords = {article, articles, journal, journals, range management}, author = {Upson, A. and McGinnies, W. G.} }