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Show Compatible coexistence between cattle and deer Cattle will consume several kinds of vegetation, but on the rangelands, lush sweet grass is probably the most sought after forage. Deer, on the other hand, will eat grass but their primary diet consists of the succulant leaves and shoots of forbs and shrubby plants. This variance in feeding habits means that both browse plants and grasses can coexist on a range and that usage by cattle and deer can be managed to compliment the vigor of either or both of the two categories of vegetation. Grazing of grasses by cattle on By Wes Shields Conservation Officer Readers of the Iron County Record may recall reading an article in last week's edition entitled "More Lucre? More Livestock?" Admittedly, I was very surprised. sur-prised. Specifically, because the last time I saw the title it read "More Lucre? More Wildlife?" But, that was when the article left my hands at the printer's office. But, all is not lost. The wildlife - livestock title mix-up has some merit after all. It brings to mind deer winter range during spring and summer is beneficial to deer because the grass culture is maintained at a constant level. This utilization will not allow the grasses to progress to the point that browse species are killed out. The reverse is true in speaking of winter range used by deer. Their use of the shrubby plants in the area thus reduces shrubby plant competition, therefore allowing the grasses to grow. Ideally, a medium can be reached that will allow ranges to be used by both cattle and deer. In terms of deer numbers, it is profitable for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to allow cattle to graze on Division administered ad-ministered lands; in terms of benefits received, Utah's citizens profit in cattle and wildlife. an important management tool. You see, in several instances livestock and wildlife are quite compatible. I am reminded of the ecological term "protocooperation" - a relationship in which both organisms benefit by the association but relations are not obligatory. This term describes a community com-munity relationship that exists among many animals and plants. In general, the compatible association between deer and cattle is a good example. P-otoccoperation becomes evident between the two when one considers the results of each animal's feeding habits. First of all, cattle are "grazers"; deer are "browsers". |