Seed Dispersal by Defecation of Cattle Rotationally Grazed in Sown and Native Pastures

Obara Michihiro, Ogura Shin-ichiro, Shishido Tetsuro, Sugawara Kazuo

doi:10.14941/grass.52.6

This study was carried out to obtain information on seed dispersal of plants by defecation of cattle rotationally grazed in sown and native pastures. Sward height, height and density of inflorescence and frequency of defoliation in four monocotyledons and two forbs dominating in the sown pasture, and frequency of appearance, fructification and the occurrence of defoliation of plant species in the native pasture were measured immediately before and after movements of a herd from late spring to mid-autumn. Plant species germinating from cattle feces was also identified by applying water-diluted feces to pots filled with soil. In the sown pasture, the six dominant species fructified in late spring to early summer, when the frequency of defoliation was high (10-97%). During this season, the maximum of 87.8 seedlings/100g feces germinated, including 74.6% of Carex albata seedlings. On the other hand, in the native pasture, the number of seedlings germinating from feces was low (max. 19.1/100g feces). These results indicate that seeds of C. albata are mainly dispersed through defecation of cattle from the sown pasture into the native pasture. However, considerably low coverage of C. albata in the native pasture suggests difficulties for this species to germinate and/or establish under the actual conditions of feces on the pastures.

Seed Dispersal by Defecation of Cattle Rotationally Grazed in Sown and Native Pastures

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