The effects of grazing on topfeed in central Australia

Abstract

A system of recording grazing effects on edible trees and shrub is described. Results of observations using this method are recorded. Acacia aneura and Atalaya hemiglauca are the topfeed species most grazed in Central Australia, but several less common species, Ventilago viminalis, Eremophila longifolia and Santalum lanceolatum are more palatable. A pat soft leaf is preferred by graying cattle, but spines and viscid or oily leaves are deterrents.