Publication Date
1985
Location
Kyoto Japan
Description
The challenge in plant-animal interface research is to derive meaningful plant-animal relationships. This paper examines some of the assumptions and bias in conventional grazing research practices. Variations within pasture and in the activity and distribution of grazing animals are important characteristics of most grazing situations. The conventional sampling strategies do not allow for the possibility that the animal perceives vegetation in a different or more subtle way than we perceive it. A more logical approach would be to seek patterns in animal activity and distribution and relate these to variations in herbage and site attributes. This approach would provide the animals', rather than the researchers', perspective of plant-animal relationships.
Citation
Taylor, J A., "The Animal Factor in Pasture Studies" (1985). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 29.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1985/ses11/29)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
The Animal Factor in Pasture Studies
Kyoto Japan
The challenge in plant-animal interface research is to derive meaningful plant-animal relationships. This paper examines some of the assumptions and bias in conventional grazing research practices. Variations within pasture and in the activity and distribution of grazing animals are important characteristics of most grazing situations. The conventional sampling strategies do not allow for the possibility that the animal perceives vegetation in a different or more subtle way than we perceive it. A more logical approach would be to seek patterns in animal activity and distribution and relate these to variations in herbage and site attributes. This approach would provide the animals', rather than the researchers', perspective of plant-animal relationships.
