Compatibility of Livestock and Water Birds on Improved Pastures

Compatibility of Livestock and Water Birds on Improved Pastures

Summary

Objectives

1. Evaluate effects of timing and intensity of beef cattle grazing on waterfowl and shorebird use of irrigated pasture.
2. Develop demonstration irrigated pasture units for use in educational activities and pilot research studies.

Abstract

Since over 70 percent of the wetlands remaining in the United States are on private lands, it is important that we increase our understanding of how these vital resources can be managed to (1) meet wetlands, water bird and wildlife habitat functional needs, and (2) meet the economic needs of the landowner. Irrigated pastures have been developed at the Jay Dow, Sr. Wetlands and cattle are grazing either full season or after fledging. Pasture utilization, bird use of pastures for foraging and nesting, and cattle performance are being measured. This project will be expanded and continued for at least the next three years by the Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station.

A comprehensive review paper on this subject was published in 1997 by the project team. In the over 60 literature citations noted in this review, only six reported properly designed research studies and statistical analysis of the data; the rest were either anecdotal evidence or opinions, which emphasizes the need for continuing this project.

Two years data on bird use prior to the development of irrigated pasture on the land were obtained, and are being used as baseline comparative data. Preliminary results from another study, the Carson Lake pasture cattle allotment, indicate that cows with calves are the preferred graziers of irrigated pastures adjacent to wetlands. Coyote nest predation is a major problem at most Great Basin wetlands sites, and cows with young calves will not tolerate coyotes in the pasture. Birds have learned, and nesting frequency is much higher in pastures with cow-calf pairs than with stocker cattle or ungrazed areas.

Positive Benefits

This project provided a proactive demonstration of how agriculture can benefit the environment while maintaining economic activity; encouraged new ranchers who are environmentally conscious; and, helped wetlands managers recognize that vegetation management is needed.

This summary was prepared by the project coordinator for the 2000 reporting cycle.