Ecology and Management of Annual Rangelands Series:Livestock Production

Author(s): George, Melvin; Harper, John; Davy, Josh; Becchetti, Theresa; Maier, Gabriele | Abstract: Livestock production on California’s annual rangelands has adapted to the seasonality of rangeland forage dominated by annual grasses and forbs growing in a Mediterranean-type climate. Rangeland managers have learned to balance seasonal forage availability and quality with the changing physiological needs of their animals by feeding them hay and other supplements and by transporting them to other forage sources, including other vegetation types in cooler climates. This publication gives an overview of seasonal forage sources, nutrient requirements of grazing animals, seasonal forage quality, seasonal animal performance, supplemental feeding, water needs, livestock production systems, and animal health issues.