competition. This can be accomplish

competition. This can be accomplished by reducing
trough space or supplement allowance. Underconsumption
by younger, subordinate cows can be decreased by providing
more supplement troughs located in primary grazing areas,
reducing the chances that a dominant cow will prevent
younger cows from coming to the trough.
Implications
Researchers have concentrated on the physiological factors
that influence distribution patterns of cattle on rangelands
but have minimized the social factors. Social dominance
hierarchies influence grazing distribution and
supplement consumption by range cattle. Early experiences
in life affect cattle distribution, and herding and selective
culling are management tools that could be used to change
cattle distribution. Scientific research into the social factors
influencing beef cattle distribution will require an intimate
knowledge of the pastures and of the animals. Failure to
address these relationships will prevent grazing managers
from achieving many of their resource objectives.