Landscape use by cattle affected by pasture developments and season

Abstract

Allowing cattle (Bos taurus L.) unrestricted access to streams can contribute to degradation of riparian and aquatic habitats. The objectives of this study were (1) to quantify the amount of time cattle spend using streams and associated riparian habitats when off-stream water and shade sources are offered and (2) to relate these patterns of habitat use to diurnal and seasonal changes in environmental conditions characteristic of the lower southeast. Diurnal (dawn-to-dusk) patterns of cattle location and behaviors were monitored between March 2000 and October 2001 in north-central Alabama at farms with pastures in which wooded streams were present. No significant decrease was detected in the length of diurnal periods cattle spent in riparian habitats after water and shade developments were in place. Grazing (7.8 hours) dominated daytime behaviors of cattle during the cool season when preference was for grassland habitat (7.6 hours). During the warm season, time spent lying increased to 4.7 hours versus 2.7 hours during the cool season; cattle consistently sought either riparian or other wooded habitat at midday and afternoon in comparison to morning and evening periods. Overall, grazing behaviors occurred predominantly (80%) in grassland habitat and lying behaviors occurred mainly (60%) in wooded habitat. Results suggested that comfort (relief from heat stress) appeared to be a major criterion in habitat use decisions by cattle during the warm season for the relatively small spatial scales (3.3 and 6.9 ha) studied. Therefore, dependence only on water and shade developments for alterations in livestock distribution may not be the most effective strategy for reduced degradation of many riparian habitats found in this region.