Seasonal herbage dynamics and utilization by yearlings on a native Aspen Parkland riparian landscape in central Albert

Initial and season-long herbage yields and quality, as well as herbage utilization patterns by cattle, were evaluated across a native Aspen Parkland landscape from May to September 2000. Grass was the principal herbage, with season-long yield nearly three times greater on riparian meadows than upland grasslands. Overall, both grass dry matter and crude protein yields remained consistently greater on riparian meadows from May through September. Whereas "absolute" herbage utilization was greatest on riparian meadows, "relative" utilization remained similar across topographic positions. Frequency of cattle utilization of plant communities was consistently greatest on riparian meadows from June to August. While upland grasslands were least selected in June, forested sites were avoided in August. Collectively, these results indicate that riparian meadows provide abundant, high quality season-long foraging opportunities, and together with an understanding of utilization patterns, sustainable livestock grazing strategies can be developed for native Aspen Parkland landscapes.