Grazing distribution patterns of hereford and Santa Gertrudis cattle on a southern New Mexico range

TitleGrazing distribution patterns of hereford and Santa Gertrudis cattle on a southern New Mexico range
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1967
AuthorsHerbel C.H., Ares F.N., Nelson A.B.
JournalJournal of Range Management
Volume20
Pagination296-298
Date PublishedSeptember 1, 196
Keywordsgrazing distribution, hereford, livestock distribution, Santa Gertrudis, southern New Mexico
AbstractActual observations for 3 years and utilization surveys for 4 years were used to determine the grazing distribution patterns of Hereford and Santa Gertrudies cattle in southern New Mexico. The grazing patterns of the two breeds were similar in the pastures studies. There was good distribution throughout the pastures which extended 3.5 miles from water. In larger pastures, Santa Gertrudis cows grazed farther from water than Hereford cows because they walk farther. Earlier studies indicated a decreasing degree of utilization with an increasing distance from water. In this study, where a variety of species was available, cattle readily grazed a distance from water to obtain certain species. It is suggested that an important tool in obtaining better livestock distribution would be to encourage the growth of palatable species at a distance from water.
URL/files/bibliography/104.pdf