Targeted grazing
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Targeted grazing is the use of domestic livestock to change the composition and structure of vegetation to meet management goals. This technique is often used in combination with other vegetation management treatments such as prescribed fire, seeding, chemical application, or mechanical means. Results from targeted grazing depend on the kind of livestock used, the season during which they graze, and the intensity and duration of grazing. Targeted grazing represents a shift in focus from producing meat, milk, or fiber from livestock to modifying vegetation using livestock.
Targeted grazing has been successful in controlling invasive exotic weeds such as leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula), spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa), and kudzu vine (Pueraria montana var. lobata) and can be very effective in reducing fuel loads and the threat of wildfire spread in the wildland/urban interface. Sheep and goats are especially well adapted for controlling exotic weeds and brush.
