Cow-Calf Certification Practice Exam

What can result from overstocking pastures?

1. Higher weight gains

2. Soil erosion

3. Improved forage quality

4. Reduction in pests

The correct answer is: Soil erosion

Overstocking pastures can lead to soil erosion primarily because the increased density of livestock can cause intense grazing pressure on the land. When too many animals graze in a given area, they can remove vegetation at a rapid rate, reducing the plant cover that protects the soil. This lack of protective vegetative cover makes the soil more vulnerable to erosion from wind and water. Moreover, as animals compact the soil through trampling, it can lead to poor water infiltration and increased surface runoff, further exacerbating erosion problems. The diminished root systems of the vegetation due to overgrazing can disrupt the soil structure, making it more susceptible to being washed away during rainfall events. In contrast, the other outcomes associated with overstocking—such as higher weight gains, improved forage quality, and reduction in pests—are generally not accurate or sustainable results of overstocking. In fact, overstocking often leads to decreased forage quality and availability, which can result in poor weight gains among livestock. Overall, the ramifications of overstocking are detrimental to both the health of the pasture and the livestock that depend on it.