Grazing effects on the nutritive value of dominant species in steppe grasslands of northern China.

The nutritive value of L. chinensis was more responsive to grazing disturbance than Artemisia spp. and C. duriuscula, and heavy grazing maintained a relatively high crude protein content in all species. Seasonal and interannual seasonal differences in grazing management combinations were two of the most important factors in determining the variability of forage nutritive value, including crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and calcium, for L. chinensis, Artemisia spp. and C. duriuscula. We suggest that moderate grazing should be adopted to ensure the quality and yield of forage and promote the sustainable development of animal husbandry.