A recent study from the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) shows that the digestive process in cattle neutralizes cheatgrass seeds, effectively preventing them from germinating into new plants. This research challenges the widespread belief that cattle are responsible for spreading invasive cheatgrass through grazing across western landscapes.
The study’s findings confirm observations from rangeland managers, who have noted that well-timed grazing on federal lands reduces cheatgrass density, allowing native grasses to grow and improve biodiversity. This conservation effort is part of ranchers’ voluntary work to maintain healthy rangelands, but they often encounter regulatory hurdles due to scientific gaps or social misconceptions.
The research also highlights the role of livestock in controlling invasive species. As cheatgrass thrives in areas where livestock has been reduced or removed, rangeland mismanagement has contributed to conditions that lead to an increase in wildfires, which in turn create ideal environments for cheatgrass to spread. By grazing cheatgrass, cattle not only reduce fire risk by decreasing fine fuel buildup, but also prevent regermination of the seeds and help support native grass growth in subsequent seasons. This study is an important step toward practical solutions for rangeland conservation.