Sheep grazing preferences on a saltings pasture and their significance for wigeon (Anas penelope L.) conservation
Cadwalladr, D.A.; Morley, J.V. (1973). Sheep grazing preferences on a saltings pasture and their significance for wigeon (Anas penelope L.) conservation. J. Br. Grassland Soc. 28: 235-242
In: Journal of the British Grassland Society. British Grassland Society: Oxford. ISSN 0007-0750, more
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| Authors | | Top |
- Cadwalladr, D.A.
- Morley, J.V.
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| Abstract |
Arising from the need to improve the palatability of tussocky, rank Festuca rubra swards to provide a greaer area of grazing for overwintering wigeon which avoided these swards, the effect of sheep grazing on these and close-mown F. rubra swards was studied by a point-quadrat method. This showed that close mowing improved the palatability of Festuca rubra swards for sheep to a degree comparable with swards made up of Puccinellia maritima and Agrostis stolonifera, for which sheep and wigeon had previonsly been shown to have a significant preference. The results of the study are discussed in relation to methods of managing an area of saltings pastnre made up of these two types of swards to increase the area of grazing available for wigeon; whilst still being compatible with the objectives of the grazier's sheep husbandry. |
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