Response of Cattle and Sheep Under Various Grazing Systems on High Elevation Summer Ranges

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Abstract
Cows and ewes were assigned by random selection to groups for grazing as species in common or to groups for grazing as separate species under either seasonal continuous, or deferred rotational grazing systems on high elevation summer ranges. Results to date indicate that red meat production can be increased and range condition maintained or improved by common use grazing. Ewes grazed in common with cattle produced more offspring weight (26.6 kg) per unit weight (45.35 kg or 100 lbs) of dam, than ewes grazed alone (24.6 kg). Cows grazed with ewes produced 10.8 kg of offspring per 45.35 kg of dam, and cows grazed alone produced 11.0 kg. The weight gain per hectare increased for common species grazing over the five years, compared to single species grazing by either cattle or sheep. The per area increase in weight production of progeny over the five years was 20% higher for sheep groups grazed with cattle and 18% higher for cattle groups grazed with sheep over groups of either spices grazed alone. Gains of ewes, cows and lambs were higher in the early summer grazing period, but calves gained consistently over the entire grazing season. Continuously grazed pastures in the early years produced significantly higher responses than rotationally grazed in all animal groups. However, there was no significant difference for the total five year period between the rotation and continuous grazing systems.