Glossary of Terms

Animal Unit (AU)*

Considered to be one mature cow (1000 lb, 455kg) either dry or with a calf up to 6 months of age, or the equivalent, based on an average daily forage consumption of 15 kg of dry matter. Livestock which consume more or less forage than the standard animal unit, because of kind, class, or size are rated on an animal unit equivalent (e.g. 1300 lb cow = 1.3 AU)

Animal Unit Month (AUM)*

The amount of forage required by an animal unit for one month.

Carrying Capacity*

Maximum stocking rate possible on a sustained yield basis without causing damage to range vegetation or related resources.

Climax

The final or most mature plant community capable of perpetuation under the prevailing climate and soil conditions.

Community

Populations of plant and animal organisms living in a given area.

Cool-Season Grass

Grass of temperate origin which makes the major portion of its growth in spring under an optimal temperature range of 15-25 degrees Celsius, and requiring 1/5 full sunlight for full photosynthesis.

Cover*

1. The combined aerial parts of plants expressed as percent of the total area in question.
2. Shelter and protection for wildlife.

Dominant Species*

Plants or groups of plants which, in terms of their abundance, coverage, or size, have considerable influence or control upon the conditions of existence for associated species.

Forage*

All browse and herbaceous foods that are available to grazing animals.

Forb*

Any herbaceous plant other than those in the grass, sedge, and rush families.

Montane

Vegetation zone of the foothills and mountain valleys at low elevation where grassland mixes with evergreen forest.

Native

Part of original flora and fauna of the area in question.

Population

Groups of individuals of the same species.

Range

Land that supports a cover of herbaceous or shrubby vegetation useful for grazing animals.

Range Condition*

The state of health of a specific range area. The current productivity of a range, relative to what that range is naturally capable of producing.

Range Site*

A distinctive kind of rangeland as a result of physical features. It has the potential to support a typical assemblage of plant species different from that of other sites.

Stocking Rate

Actual number of animals on a specific area at a specific time. The area of land allowed per animal unit for the entire grazeable period of the year. Expressed as Animal units/unit area (AU/Ha) or Area/AUM (Ha/AUM).

Warm-Season Grass

Plants of tropical origin making most of their growth in the late spring and summer under an optimum range of 30-40 degrees Celsius, and full light saturation.

*Adapted from: A glossary of terms used in Range Management. 2nd Edition, 1974. Society for Range Management. Denver, Colorado. 80206