Thesis (M. Sc.(Wildlife Management) (Natural and Agricultural Sciences))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Summaries in English. Includes bibliographical references.

Since northern mixed prairies evolved under the influence of bison, grazing may be an important process maintaining diversity in these ecosystems. However, it is unclear whether grazing by cattle has the same ecological consequences as grazing by bison. I surveyed plant communities that were grazed at a range of intensities by bison or cattle, or were mechanically mowed. I used generalized linear mixed models and geostatistical techniques to evaluate the effects of grazing intensity and species of grazer on structural and floristic responses, and analysis of variance to evaluate the effects of mowing. I found that both grazing and mowing increased diversity and reduced evenness of the plant community. Spatial patterns of grazing were similar for bison and cattle, although bison created more discrete patches at the highest intensities of grazing. My results suggest that despite some differences in their selective preferences, the two species may have similar ecological effects.

Since northern mixed prairies evolved under the influence of bison, grazing may be an important process maintaining diversity in these ecosystems. However, it is unclear whether grazing by cattle has the same ecological consequences as grazing by bison. I surveyed plant communities that were grazed at a range of intensities by bison or cattle, or were mechanically mowed. I used generalized linear mixed models and geostatistical techniques to evaluate the effects of grazing intensity and species of grazer on structural and floristic responses, and analysis of variance to evaluate the effects of mowing. I found that both grazing and mowing increased diversity and reduced evenness of the plant community. Spatial patterns of grazing were similar for bison and cattle, although bison created more discrete patches at the highest intensities of grazing. My results suggest that despite some differences in their selective preferences, the two species may have similar ecological effects.

6 pp./ Originally published: 1999 / Rangeland and livestock management in the southwestern U.S. presents many formidable challenges. Environmental regulations, cattle prices, and drought are just a few factors that contribute to the management challenges of the range-livestock industry. Among them, drought may be the least controllable or predictable variable. This publication discusses how to prepare for drought in southwestern U.S. Topics include principles of drought and range-livestock management, management before drought, management during drought and management after drought. Reviewed 12/2016 - Originally published 07/1999

4 pp.

6 pp.

7 pp. / The objectives of this article are to provide an overview of the major grazing systems that have been used on rangelands in the western U. S. and Canada, to summarize the conditions under which they may be applicable, and to highlight examples from the southwestern U. S. when relevant.

6 pp.

3 pp. / Originally published: 2001

Revised; Originally Published: 2000 / 8 pp.