The relationship between cattle grazing and wildlife varies considerably, 

 depending upon the cattle stocking rate, months that grazing is done, 

 plants present and the wildlife species concerned. This relationship 

 can be manipulated to a large degree by the landowner to suit the desired 

 land use practice. 



The following summation is a list of the various game species and 

 their relationship to cattle and cattle grazing in the coastal marshes 

 of Louisiana. 



BLUE AND SNOW GEESE. These birds benefit from moderate cattle grazing. 

 They feed primarily on tender, new growth of marsh grasses, plus roots 

 and rhizomes that they dig from the soil, and are attracted to clean 

 areas where dense stands of mature vegetation have been removed. Not 

 only is more food available in such areas, but also the birds prefer 

 areas having an unobstructed view and offering protection from 

 approaching danger. 



DUCKS. Unlike geese, ducks have feeding habits and habitat require- 

 ments differing greatly from cattle. Whereas cattle depend mainly on 

 the foliage of marsh grasses, ducks feed on seeds and aquatic vegetation. 

 Many marshes are too soft to support the weight of cattle, but where 

 cattle can graze they open up dense stands of mature vegetation and 

 permit sub-climax species to grow. Also these openings provide feeding 

 areas for ducks. Annual grasses are excellent cattle forage. Also, 

 the seeds of these grasses are choice duck foods. Therefore, where 

 cattle are permitted to graze annual grasses throughout the summer, 

 seed production is greatly reduced. 



Ideal duck habitat should contain from 4 to 6 inches of permanent 

 water throughout the winter. Then, dewatering freshwater marshes 

 during the late spring and summer will afford conditions favorable 

 for the germination and growth of annual grasses. However, the 

 permanent dewatering of fresh, brackish or salt marshes to develop 

 cattle pasture simply removes that much area from duck usage and the 

 marsh condition no longer exists. 



SNIPE. Probably no game species benefits more from cattle grazing 

 than does the Wilson snipe. This species feeds on earthworms, insects, 

 snails and occasionally seeds and prefers exposed moist soil with no 

 overhead cover. In fact the largest concentrations of snipe are 

 usually found on overgrazed marsh range. 



RAILS. Louisiana has several species of rails but none are affected 

 by moderate cattle grazing. This species likes an "edge effect" and 

 will do well where cattle have opened up dense stands of mature 

 vegetation. The rail must have adequate escape cover, but seldom 

 are marshes so heavily overgrazed that such is not available. 



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