| Barry D. Irving, Pat L. Rutledge, Arthur W. Bailey, M. Anne Naeth and David S. Chanasyk |
| Authors are technologist, Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2P5; ranch manager, Rutledge Ranching, Box 61, Monitor, Alberta, Canada T0C 2A0, professor, Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2P5; assistant professor and professor, Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2H1. |
Abstract |
| Grazing distribution and grass utilization was evaluated in intensively managed fields in the southern Aspen Parkland near Kirriemuir, Alberta. Three fields, 130 ha in size (with dimensions .4 | 3.2 km) were grazed by 1,000 cow/calf pairs for 5 days each. Stock water was accessible only from one end of each field. Grazing distribution was evaluated by monitoring grass utilization daily during grazing and after grazing at 0.1, 0.8, 1.6, 2.4, and 3.1 km from water. Final utilization did not differ within fields, except for a decline at the maximum distance from water (3.1 km). Temporal utilization patterns existed and could best be described as a wave, with defoliation beginning near the water source on day 1 of grazing and proceeding outward from water until the ends of the fields were grazed on day 5. Final utilization was uniform; selective grazing of areas close to water was not removed by intensive management, but was masked by a rapid rate of defoliation. |
| Key Words: Alberta, stock density, short duration grazing, grazing distribution |