Use of Adapted Animals and Prescribed Grazing

Project Title: Management of Cattle Behavior to Achieve Specific Goals: Use of Adapted Animals and Prescribed Grazing

PI: Derek W. Bailey

Co Investigators:

• Allen Torell (New Mexico State University)
• Milt Thomas (Colorado State University)
• Larry Howery (University of Arizona)
• Juan Medrano (University of California, Davis)

Funding Source:

• New Mexico Agricultural Experiment Station
• USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range
• USDA-AFRI Managed Ecosystems
• USDA Western SARE

Objectives of the Project:

A. Determine if experience affects its use of rough and/or extensive terrain in unfamiliar pastures

B. Evaluate the potential to target cattle grazing to improve wildlife habitat and manage fine fuels without the use of fences

C. Evaluate the grazing behavior of alternative cattle breeds in the Chihuahuan Desert for improvement of sustainability of forage resources and livestock adaptability

D. Determine the potential for grazing use of honey mesquite by livestock

E. Evaluate the degree that grazing distribution can be inherited

Duration: 2008 to present

Publications:

Joyce, L.A., D.D. Briske, J.R. Brown, H.W. Polley, B.A. McCarl, and D.W. Bailey. (submitted). Climate change and North American rangelands: assessment of mitigation and adaptation strategies. Rangeland Ecology & Management.

Polley, H.W., D.D. Briske, J.A. Morgan, K. Wolter, D.W. Bailey, and J.R. Brown. (submitted). Climate change and North American rangelands: Evidence, trends, and implications. Rangeland Ecology & Management.

Probo, M., A. Massolo, M. Lonati, D. Bailey, A. Gorlier, L. Maurino, and G. Lombardi. 2013. Use of mineral mix supplements to modify the grazing patterns by cattle for the restoration of sub-alpine and alpine shrub-encroached grasslands. Rangeland Journal (in press).

Bailey, D. W. and M. Stephenson. 2013. Integrating stockmanship into rangeland management. Stockmanship Journal 2(1):1-12.

Russell, M.L., D.W. Bailey, M.G. Thomas, and B.K. Witmore. 2012. Grazing distribution and diet quality of Angus, Brangus and Brahman Cows in the Chihuahuan Desert. Rangeland Ecology & Management 65:371-381.

Mayagoitia-Gonzalez, P. E., D. W. Bailey, and R. E. Estell. 2012. Effect of supplementing activated charcoal on the intake of honey mesquite by lambs. Proceedings, Western Section of the American Society of Animal Science, Vol. 63.

Bailey, D.W. and J.R. Brown. 2011. Rotational grazing systems and livestock grazing behavior in shrub-dominated semi-arid and arid rangelands. Rangeland Ecology & Management 64:1-9.

Mohamed, A., J.L. Holechek, D.W. Bailey, C.L. Campbell, and M.N. DeMers. 2011. Mesquite encroachment impact on southern New Mexico Rangelands: A remote sensing and GIS approach. Journal of Applied Remote Sensing 5, 053514 (2011), DOI:10.1117/1.3571040.

Luna-Nevarez, P., D. W. Bailey, C. C. Bailey, D. VanLeeuwen, R. M. Enns, G. A. Silver, K. L. DeAtley, and M. G. Thomas. 2010. Growth characteristics, reproductive performance, and evaluation of their associative relationships in Brangus cattle managed in a Chihuahuan Desert production system. Journal of Animal Science 88:1891-1904.

Bailey, D.W., R. Al Tabini, B.L. Waldron, J.D. Libbin, K. Al-Khalidi, A. Alqadi, M. Al Oun, and K.B. Jensen. 2010. Potential of Kochia prostrata and perennial grasses for rangeland rehabilitation in Jordan. Rangeland Ecology & Management 63:707-711.

Bailey, D.W., M.G. Thomas, J.W. Walker, B.K. Witmore, and D. Tolleson. 2010. Effect of previous experience on grazing patterns and diet selection of Brangus cows in the Chihuahuan Desert. Rangeland Ecology & Management 63:223-232.