The Impact of Cattle Grazing on Shrub Biomass: A Review on Temperate Ecosystems

Abstract

Cattle grazing is particularly important to natural and semi-natural ecosystems, having often replaced grazing by smaller domestic ruminants such as goats and sheep. While cattle are mainly considered grazers rather than browsers, the pressures, direct or indirect, they exert on shrub encroachment are significant. Thus, their grazing and browsing activities can often be considered complementary to ecosystem management, especially in landscapes characterized by shrub presence and frequent wildfires. Several factors may influence the impact of cattle browsing, including the stocking rate, the specific breed of cattle, and their adaptation to the respective ecosystem, as well as the particular type of ecosystem. This review examines the impact of cattle browsing on shrubs across various temperate ecosystems. Findings indicate that cattle usually consume only 5–10% of woody forage, but exceptional browsers like Highland cattle can consume up to 45%, making them promising for controlling shrub encroachment. Nevertheless, grazing often negatively impacts shrub richness, especially when combined with management interventions or wildfires, thereby raising concerns about plant regeneration. Future research should prioritize the ecological value of indigenous browsing cattle breeds over productivity-focused goals; however, several studies fail to specify the breeds examined, thereby limiting the ability to draw breed-specific conclusions.

1. Introduction

Temperate ecosystems have been largely shaped by humans and their activities over the centuries [1]. One of the many consequences of human activities is related to the presence of livestock, which coexists with or completely replaces large wild herbivores. Livestock management is one of the most impactful types of environmental human disturbance, as it alters natural succession [2]. Industrialization, increasing concern over environmental issues in recent decades, and climate change have triggered a chain of events, greatly altering how humans manage livestock. Land abandonment and intensification of animal production systems became norms in many temperate developed countries, including those in Europe [3,4]. An important outcome of current land management practices is the undergrazing of several areas and the subsequent shrub encroachment, which raises major conservation issues, including biodiversity loss and an increase in the potential for damaging wildfires [5]. However, the implementation of grazing practices varies widely across regions. Some areas experience biodiversity loss due to overgrazing, which leads to soil degradation and carbon unbalance [6]. In such circumstances, interstate, state, and local authorities have to implement policies on proper stocking rates to ensure sustainability, with conservation of multi-functional landscapes as a goal [7].

Provisioning services provided by cattle are essential for human well-being. Red meat, mainly produced by beef cattle, is a very important food resource around the world [8]. Nowadays, cattle’s role in methane emissions and the risks from their meat consumption are widely emphasized [9]. However, some properties of beef meat are difficult to substitute, while their methane emissions can be mitigated through proper stocking management [10]. Furthermore, the ability of beef cattle to be managed with low labor resources is noteworthy [11]. In recent years, there have been temperate areas where small ruminant production has been reduced in favor of cattle farming [12,13,14]. Additionally, demand for high-protein food sources in developing countries is expected to continue [15], making beef cattle production an important part of the food supply. Therefore, the research community should focus on raising cattle with a low carbon footprint, using cost-effective methods. In that sense, it is essential to examine their ability to utilize rangeland biomass, including shrub biomass, though goats are considered the main consumers of shrub and woody vegetation [16,17,18,19,20].

Cattle are generally considered natural grazers, and their anatomical ability to consume herbaceous forage, especially grasses, is well-known [21]. At the same time, cattle often use shrubs to feed on, both in temperate [22] and non-temperate environments [23,24]. The present publication reviews the relationship between cattle grazing and woody vegetation with a particular focus on shrubby vegetation. To our knowledge, no relevant review has been published so far. Biomass utilization is the primary way cattle affect shrubs, but we wanted to cover all aspects that influence this relationship. The main hypotheses we address, referring especially to temperate regions, are the following: (i) Shrub browsing by cattle has been a topic of research interest in various temperate areas. (ii) Interest in this topic has been increasing over the years. (iii) Cattle grazing tends to suppress shrub structure and diversity. (iv) Shrubby vegetation is an important component of cattle’s diet. (v) There are differences in the types of shrubby forage that cattle consume, with seasonal variations being a significant factor. (vi) Cattle exhibit specific patterns of behavior when competing with other animal species in habitats with shrubs, as well as when their behavior is compared to that of these other species independently. (vii) The combination of cattle browsing and management practices, or episodic disturbances, is usually more significant than each action taken alone. (viii) Indigenous cattle breeds have demonstrated greater adaptability in areas with shrub presence, especially when compared to crossbred cattle. (ix) A wide search around cattle presence in areas with shrubs will highlight gaps and identify opportunities for future research in the literature.

2. Materials and Methods

The first step in addressing the questions above was an in-depth literature search that began on 3 May 2024 and concluded on 24 March 2025. The Web of Science Core Collection database was chosen for this purpose. Our objective was to include the most common terms related to cattle and shrubs in scientific literature. Thus, the following conditions were used:

((cattle OR cow* OR bovine*) AND (shrub* OR scrub* or bush* OR brush* OR brows *))

Initially, this search resulted in 7572 results. Out of these, 245 studies were selected for further examination, since the majority of the initially found papers (a) focused on other irrelevant research topics, (b) dealt with regions other than temperate, or (c) considered mixed flocks of cattle along with other grazers or browsers, without giving information on the individual animal species (Figure 1). The selection of studies focused on temperate climates was primarily based on geographic location. Our research encompasses a variety of temperate climates, including all areas classified as a temperate zone. Exceptions were made only for locations explicitly identified as having non-temperate and non-continental climates. Additionally, areas were included in our study if they were classified as temperate or continental according to the Köppen climate classification criteria [25], which also encompassed edge cases of subtropical and subalpine climates. After the process was completed, 106 studies (i.e., 43.26%) were chosen to be included in this review as they were related to our research objectives. The whole process is presented in a PRISMA flowchart (Figure 1). Only research papers, and not reviews, were included in our study.

The final number of chosen studies was examined for their geographic and chronological distribution.

We were primarily interested in two types of information: the countries where the studies were conducted and the year of their publication. We aimed to analyze the geographical and chronological trends for these research topics. However, our main focus was on extracting basic statistical information about cattle and the shrubs affected by their browsing. Additionally, we aimed to identify significant trends in cattle browsing under specific management conditions.

The results were presented on a world map, with specific categories referenced. Additionally, a figure illustrating the evolution of the number of studies with time, in five-year intervals, was also produced.

We identified the number of studies that included (a) statistical information and (b) no-grazing treatment. The selected studies dealt with the effects of cattle on shrub variables (cover, height, volume, occupancy, and density) that were related to shrubland structure and diversity (species richness and α-diversity indices). Shrub cover was included as a separate variable in the analysis, while the rest of the structural variables were included as “other structure”. Studies conducted on large landscapes with varying grazing intensities, ranging from zero to light or heavy grazing, were also considered. If other management interventions were applied before or (rarely) after grazing, like clearing or prescribed burning, or a disturbance by wildfire, the analysis was between the other intervention vs. with or without cattle grazing. Pie charts displaying the different effects (increase, decrease, or no effect) were made for variables that were measured in multiple studies. We used the term “case” to describe either different treatments in the same site or the same treatment in different sites. Thus, a study could include two or more cases. When the number of cases that were related to a specific variable was low, then the variables were presented in groups, namely other structure and species richness, and α-diversity, and only commented on. Additionally, we included cases that measured the percentage of shrubby or total woody forage included in cattle diets during various seasons of the year. These seasons differ across studies, so the number of studies for each season was indicated in the pie charts. Shrub selection was categorized into the following preference classes: less than 1%, 1–5%, 5–10%, 10–20%, 20–30%, 30–40%, and more than 50%.

Finally, we performed a detailed analysis and commentary for the main subjects of all studies involving aspects of cattle grazing. We categorized the studies into several groups based on the following criteria: (a) cattle grazing in combination with or without domestic and wild grazing animals, (b) combination of cattle grazing with other practices (clearing, prescribed burning, application of herbicides, etc.), (c) grazing following a wildfire, (d) foraging behavior of different cattle breeds and their impact on rangeland productivity, (e) other specific issues related to cattle grazing, and (f) long-term studies examining cattle grazing or shrub patterns for a period longer than 10 years. In the analysis of grouped studies, we included those with and without control treatment. It is important to note that 7 studies were included in the first part of the statistical information, but not in the detailed commentary or the management implications, because they were not included in the categories discussed in any of the groups that were analyzed [26,27,28,29,30,31].

The coexistence of cattle and wildlife grazers (wild ponies, cervids, and rodents) is a common condition in rangelands, but sometimes not clearly mentioned in studies [22]. The impact of wildlife is often overlooked, either because it was out of the research scope or is deemed insignificant. To ensure that changes in vegetation are attributed to the presence or absence of cattle, we excluded studies indicating a significant presence of wildlife grazers in the statistical information, especially in cases where wildlife species were also investigated. In contrast, all studies assessing differences in the selection of habitat or diet were included in the analysis, as different animal functions were examined, and the assessment of the synergistic impact is an interesting topic on its own [32]. Studies about impacts only on shrubs, without at least two different cattle grazing intensities (including no grazing), were not included in any group, and so they were excluded from the analysis, unless there was a clear statement that wildlife grazing was absent or insignificant.

We have added important information about the studies in Supplementary Materials. This includes the publication date, the location of research, the cattle breeds studied, other animals involved in the research, field interventions, the maximum p-value level of significance selected by the authors for their statistical analysis, the percentages of shrubby or woody biomass in the cattle’s diet, and the effects on shrub cover/structure, as well as the impacts on richness and diversity.

3. Results

3.1. Geographic and Chronological Distribution

The geographic distribution of the studies is presented in the map below (Figure 2). The studies are allocated to 21 countries in total. The United States has the highest number of studies (22), with Oregon being the state with the most, totaling seven (Figure 3). The countries with the most studies after the U.S. are Spain (11), Israel (eight), and Argentina (seven).

The linear trend of the evolution of the number of studies about livestock browsing on shrubs in temperate regions shows an increase of a 2.83-fold step from 1983 onwards when it is calculated for a 5-year time interval (Figure 4). This increase in the relevant literature is particularly prominent after the period of 2002–2006. This may be attributed to the ease of access to the bibliographic resources offered by the digitization of the publications.

3.2. Main Trends and Basic Statistics

Shrub cover was the only variable measured in 30 studies, encompassing 40 cases. A reduction in shrub cover was observed in 77% of these cases (31 out of 40). Two studies (5%) noted a slight increase in shrub cover as a result of cattle presence [33,34]. In 16 studies involving 22 cases, “other structural” variables were measured (height, volume, occupancy, and density). In 11 of them (50%), these variables were suppressed by browsing. No effects were observed in nine cases (45.5%). In one case (4.5%), the plant bulk density of most shrubs studied increased [35]. Shrub diversity indices (richness, Simpson index, evenness, and abundance) were measured in 11 cases included in nine studies. In this instance, due to the small number of studies, we included in our statistical analysis not only studies with a control treatment, but also those that compared other animals, varying stocking densities, and grazing exclusion. We found that the abovementioned indices were reduced in seven cases. In one case [36], shrub diversity quantified by the Simpson index and evenness was increased due to cattle browsing compared to the control for five (for diversity) or four (for evenness) of the total of six treatments.

Diet selection for shrubby forage only was measured in 18 studies and 38 cases. There was a seasonal diversification of the results. Summer accounted for the majority of cases (31), as illustrated in Figure 5b. In this season, shrub content was measured to be below 1% in five cases (16%) and between 1 and 5% in 12 cases (39%). Notably, one paper documented nine cases during the summer [37], while another reported eight cases [38]. In spring studies, shrub selection exhibited an almost uniform distribution between 1% and 39% (Figure 5a). Twelve (12) cases were found for autumn (Figure 5c), with 50% indicating shrub selection over 10%. Winter diets were limited, with only six cases; therefore, they were not included in this graphic analysis, but their findings will be discussed later in the paper.

Woody forage percentages in cattle diet were measured for eight studies, including 14 cases. Similarly to the charts for the shrubby forage, certain studies reported numerous cases: notably Nota et al. [39] during summer (four cases) and Thill and Martin [40] across spring and summer (four cases). Similarly to the previous figure, there is a diversification in the diet during summer (Figure 5e). Additionally, there is an increase in the number of cases during autumn, with percentages ranging from above 10% to below 50% (Figure 5f). Interestingly, in 78% of the cases (seven), the woody percentage in the diet exceeded 10% during spring (Figure 5d).

3.3. Comparing the Effects of Cattle Grazing to Other Animal Species

3.3.1. Sheep and Goats

The impact of different livestock species on shrub control varies significantly across ecosystems. In the Mediterranean dehesas (pastures of Quercus ilex in shrub and tree form) of Toledo, Spain [41], cattle grazing reduced seedling recruitment and shrub cover more effectively than sheep. However, in Spanish oceanic climates, cattle spent less time grazing than sheep in the non-improved areas and were less effective at controlling the increase in gorse (Ulex gallii) cover and height, except when grazing alongside goats. Heaths (Calluna vulgaris) were less abundant in the area, and the difference between cattle grazing and sheep grazing was either non-significant or of low significance [42]. This reinforced an earlier study in the same area, where cattle failed to prevent gorse encroachment on their own [43]. Their consumption and habitat selection levels for gorse shrublands were lower than those of sheep and especially goats, peaking in October. When herbaceous availability declined, cattle experienced weight loss. Despite similar grazing durations as sheep, cattle incorporated significantly less woody vegetation in their diet. Subsequent regional studies confirmed the patterns regarding the dietary habits of cattle and sheep. Sheep grazed longer and consumed more woody forage in heathlands, though still minor; herbaceous forage consisted of at least 85% [44] and 75% [45] of cattle’s diets, when the respective percentages for sheep were around 65% and 75%. In another experiment in the Atlantic heathlands of Spain [46], the author observed that sheep grazing and no grazing, contrary to cattle grazing, were positively associated with the presence of Erica ciliaris, a pattern also seen in ungrazed sites, but microsite differences could be responsible for this effect.

However, seasonal variation exists in cattle’s forage preferences. Grant et al. [47] noted that while cattle preferred leafy shoots of the heath shrub Calluna vulgaris, they utilized more woody parts during autumn. In summer, with more herbs available, dried heath shrubs were less desirable. Additionally, a greater preference for heath shrubs was observed in Scottish Blackface sheep in Welsh heathlands, dominated by Calluna vulgaris, as mentioned by Fraser et al. [48]. Unlike Grant et al. [47], heath consumption was lower in September than in July, attributed to the availability of fine-grass forage like Deschampsia flexuosa and Festuca ovina. Different results were shown in Northern England, where the reintroduced by seeding Calluna cover varied between sites. In areas with a strong presence of Nardus stricta (however, with no data on Nardus height), cattle grazing increased Calluna cover, while in Molinia caerulea-dominated sites, sheep grazing alone resulted in higher Calluna cover compared to cattle co-grazing. These results may be attributed to the different grazing preferences of the two animal species for competing grass species in both communities, as well as the varying stocking densities applied each time [49]. Similarly, in Wales [50], varying stocking rates and dietary preferences were also the reason that cover and dry weight were reduced more by sheep grazing alone or sheep grazing combined with cattle grazing. While cattle grazing significantly lowered Calluna cover compared to the control treatments, overall cover increased over the years, contrary to the other two grazing treatments (sheep grazing and sheep-and-cattle grazing). In a study of oceanic climate rangelands in New Zealand dominated by Discaria toumatou and Muehlenbeckia complexa [51], cattle grazing was found to limit shrub regeneration, though less effectively than sheep. Nevertheless, more details, such as historical grazing intensities, were not examined.

Meanwhile, in Vermont, USA, major ruminant livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) were assessed for their ability to reduce shrub cover [52]. Both cattle and sheep were somewhat effective, but goats were most successful in meeting the study’s management goals. In subalpine pastures, cattle spent the least time within Alnus alnobetula stands, avoiding branch browsing while consuming few leaves [53]. Their contribution to shrub control came primarily through trampling rather than consumption, proving less effective than goats and surprisingly less effective than Engadine sheep, which emerged as unexpectedly efficient browsers in this context. A study in a cleared oak forest in Northern Greece found that goats incorporated more tree and shrub forage into their diets than cattle, which had only a minor percentage of these plants year-round [54]. In another study in Israel, both cattle and regulated goat grazing maintained open gaps and varied plant forms in areas dominated by Palestinian oak (Quercus calliprinos) [55]. However, traditional goat grazing (overgrazing) created more gaps but reduced plant shape variety. Oak height was affected only by goat grazing, whether regulated or traditional, with no effect observed from cattle. In a separate study, Luginbuhl et al. [56] observed a significant reduction in Rosa multiflora shrubs in areas grazed by goats alone or goats alongside cattle. This reduction was attributed mainly to goat browsing, as no cattle browsing on shrubs was noted. Meanwhile, a study in the Netherlands indicated that both cattle and bison helped control shrubs, with bison favoring bark and cattle consuming greater proportions of twigs [57].

3.3.2. Equines

In the aforementioned experiment [57], cattle and bison grazed alongside horses, with a study by Cromgist et al. [58] indicating that horses consumed very little woody vegetation compared to cattle. In different Low Countries locations, several effects were observed based on habitat, stocking rate, and the way cattle and horses grazed together or separately. Notably, combined grazing at low stocking rates created gaps within tall herbaceous stands, allowing shrubs like Sambucus nigra to colonize, although cattle grazing limited this encroachment more effectively than horses. Cattle included this species in their diets, while horses did not [59]. Additionally, winter debarking of the Salix sp. helped suppress the shrub. The above authors conducted their experiments in the well-drained border zone of a managed eutrophic wetland (polder). Similarly, in a Belgian coastal dune area, cattle were the primary grazers of certain woody vegetation [60]. On the contrary, in the Asturian heathlands of Spain, horses demonstrated a superior capacity for consuming spiny shrubs like gorse compared to cattle, while cattle preferred heath shrubs [61]. Cattle spent more time grazing heath compared to horses, and in a Mediterranean wetland in France, they often grazed on Phillyrea angustifolia, particularly in winter [62]. Subsequent research indicated that cattle and horse co-grazing in the same region was ineffective for these plant species, likely due to low stocking density [63].

In humid continental rangelands, cattle and ponies showed different diet preferences for woody species. Cattle consumed more heathers [64], such as Calluna vulgaris and Erica spp., during the winter months (November to March), heavily utilizing dry heath and improved grasslands throughout the year. In contrast, horses mainly grazed these areas in winter. During summer, cattle preferred wet heathlands more than dry ones. A study conducted in Galician heathlands [46] revealed that areas grazed only by ponies or by both ponies and cattle did not support the growth of Erica ciliaris. The research did not identify any synergistic effects between the two grazing species, which may be attributed to the lack of a treatment involving cattle grazing alone.

3.3.3. Cervids

The effects of cervid grazing represent a significant area of research in the USA. In regions characterized by an American Mediterranean climate, deer (family Cervidae) have been observed to reduce shrub cover in conifer clearcuts, with the presence of cattle further enhancing this impact [65]. In Northern Idaho forests located below 1000 m, cattle preferred herbage while white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and elk (Cervus canadensis) did not [66]. In the transition zone between Mediterranean and semi-arid environments, in Sierra Nevada, California, cattle preferred to graze in meadows and aspen (Populus tremuloides) stands, the latter mostly for shade during the summer months, and rarely approached sagebrush (Artemisia rothrockii) and montane shrubs. However, it was noted that deer altered their habitat selection in the presence of cattle, reducing aspen stand use while increasing their preference for coniferous communities. Both species preferred meadows more, and this preference remained unchanged for mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) regardless of cattle stocking rates [67]. In northeastern Nevada, within similar environments, cattle did not consume any woody forage, even when they were in sagebrush and aspen communities. Conversely, both white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) exhibited a considerable consumption of woody forage, particularly in spring (notably for red deer only) and summer [68]. In humid subtropical pastures of Louisiana, deer diets were predominantly comprising woody forage (including shrubs, trees, and vines), whereas cattle exhibited a preference for such forage primarily during the autumn and winter months [40]. Winter was the peak season for browse within the cattle diet, during which browse accounted for more than half of their feeding bites. In contrast, fruits, graminoids, and forbs constituted a significantly smaller portion of the cattle’s dietary intake.

Two studies focused on the dry coniferous forests of Oregon. The first was conducted by Walburger et al. [37], investigated the dietary preferences of steers (castrated oxen) and found that the percentage of woody vegetation was low across all treatments. These treatments included areas with deer grazing, a combination of deer and cattle grazing, and an area with no grazing apart from the steers. The percentage of woody vegetation in this context was less than 3.5% of the total grazing area. Cervid grazing negatively influenced shrub production, while the combined grazing of cervids and cattle had an even greater impact, particularly in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) stands, but not in grand fir (Abies grandis) stands. The second study assessed changes in shrub structure and density in response to grazing of cattle and red deer across two different disturbance regimes and three different stocking densities [36]. The findings indicated only minor differences in shrub structure across the grazing regime (cattle, red deer, or no grazing). However, when considering shrub diversity and evenness, cattle grazing consistently proved to be more beneficial than no grazing, and in most cases, it was also more advantageous than red deer grazing.

In South-central New Mexico, cattle included only Quercus species in their diet, while red deer (Cervus elaphus) included a variety of five different species [69]. Cornelissen et al. [70] observed that after the re-establishment of a polder in the Netherlands, the cover of two typical shrubs (Sambucus nigra and Salix spp.), increased despite the introduction of cattle, and the addition of horse grazing later. However, forage cover declined with the introduction of red deer grazing, with the authors attributing the finding to the overall increase in stocking rates. Moreover, in a Spanish dehesa, Perea et al. [41] found that the shrub cover of various Mediterranean species was higher under deer grazing compared to cattle grazing. Notably, there are no existing studies that directly compare the grazing impacts of cattle and donkeys (Equus asinus).

3.3.4. Rabbits and Other Lagomorpha

There is limited research regarding the relationship between Lagomorpha and cattle grazing. Aptroot et al. [71] observed that, in a species-rich dune valley in the Netherlands, cattle can serve as a substitute for extinct rabbit populations (Oryctolagus cuniculus), contributing to the prevention of succession towards shrubland. However, this study did not provide a direct comparison regarding the grazing effects of these two groups. In the xerophytic meadows of Mediterranean France, rabbit grazing, unlike cattle and, to a lesser extent, horse grazing, has been shown to limit both the density and age of Phillyrea angustifolia individuals [63]. In the burned stands of subalpine shrubland in Patagonia, both cattle and hare (Lepus europeus) grazing, or their combined influence, reduced the height of woody plants. Conversely, in a neighboring tall shrubland, the combined grazing of these species was necessary to achieve a similar reduction [72]. The cover of woody species was similarly reduced by both single and mixed grazing of the two animal species in a burned shrubland, as well as in the adjacent burned Nothofagus antarctica forest.

In a temperate warm ecosystem in Argentina, researchers measured the percentage of shrub species relative to the total number of species in the rangeland [73]. They found that the tall shrub Neltuma flexuosa increased in total percentage during the summer due to cattle preferences. However, the total shrub cover was lower in grazed areas compared to ungrazed ones due to the reduced availability of low shrubs. Additionally, the low shrub species Junellia seriphioides was more heavily grazed by tuco-tucos (Ctenomys eremophilus) during autumn and winter, a phenomenon influenced by their coexistence with cattle. On the contrary, there was no effect of cattle grazing or their dietary preferences during the other seasons.

3.4. Management Interventions in Temperate Cattle Systems

Prescribed burning combined with grazing represents a vital management strategy [5,72,73] with significant ecological benefits. Harrington and Kathol [74] noted that this combination effectively reduces shrubs in oak woodlands, with cattle grazing accessing Rubus spp. areas that fire cannot reach. Pekin et al. [36] found moderate grazing most effective in maintaining shrub diversity and evenness in burned sites, while heavy grazing proved most effective in untreated sites. In ungrazed sites without prescribed burning, shrub composition changed more significantly than in grazed ones, while the opposite happened when burning occurred. Specific patterns were also identified in defoliated shrubs within a temperate Missouri savanna that had been treated with prescribed burning [75]. Overall, shrub density was lower in grazed treatments; however, vegetatively spreading plants were more adversely affected by grazing animals. In a six-year pyric herbivory experiment conducted in western Sweden [76] was found that while cattle grazing reduced the coverage of Rubus shrubs, prescribed burning did not have the same effect. Additionally, the coverage of dwarf shrubs remained unchanged regardless of the treatment applied. A comprehensive study conducted in seasonal wetlands of South-Central Florida, covering a wide range of studied areas and years, revealed that the presence of cattle and pasture improvements negatively affected the occurrence of trees and shrubs. However, prescribed burning had an insignificant effect on woody species when grazing was not involved [77]. Another study highlighted the limited significance of prescribed burning, with or without cattle grazing, in terms of shrub cover and density. This research primarily focused on the restoration of Minnesota oak wood pastures, where initial thinning efforts mainly aimed to prevent tree regeneration [78]. Season-specific impacts were documented in Western Canada [79], where spring grazing following prescribed burning decreased shrub cover while increasing aspen yield and density, but summer grazing produced opposite results. In another wetland study [80], fire proved crucial in reducing shrub cover, with cattle grazing also reducing shrub presence compared to ungrazed treatments. Importantly, once prescribed fires ceased, shrub encroachment accelerated significantly.

Mechanical interventions (such as selective cutting of shrubs or trees by chainsaw and the use of bulldozers and other heavy machinery) are also common management tools in temperate ecosystems. They are generally considered safer than prescribed burning [13,81], but they can yield different results [82]. Walburger et al. [37] reported no difference in shrub contribution to steer diets or total shrub production following thinning treatments, regardless of whether grazing was involved, in both grand fir (Abies grandis) and ponderosa pine (Pinus Ponderosa) forests. Similarly, in a study conducted in Oregon coniferous forests, Clark et al. [38] reported that whether the understory vegetation was mechanically treated or not, it affected the diet of cattle, as untreated stands had much more shrub coverage. Stocking rates emerged as a crucial variable, with higher rates increasing shrub consumption. Minor differences were also noted between low and moderate stocking rates, with greater forage consumption observed in the latter treatment. In California, cattle grazing reduced shrub cover, decreasing competition for coniferous species to grow again in clear-cut stands where residues had been piled and burned, without significantly affecting their regeneration [65]. In Swedish temperate grasslands with various management practices, continuously managed sites had much lower shrub cover compared to abandoned ones, with mechanical clearing also reducing shrub cover. Livestock, including cattle, grazed in separate areas without distinctive results for shrub cover; nearly half of these areas were exclusively grazed by cattle [83]. Mechanical clearing (tree and shrub removal) was beneficial for restoring a wetland site covered by Juniperus communis, with cattle grazing enhancing the effort by dispersing seeds of preferred fen species.

Additional measures, such as mowing, provided further benefits [84]. In the Mediterranean region, cattle minimally browsed shrubs or regenerated oaks [54]. Low-intensity cattle grazing in Israeli maquis stands failed to prevent shrub encroachment [85], even though an earlier study indicated that shrublands could be converted to grasslands under very high stocking rates [86]. In Palestinian oak-thinned stands, heavy grazing maintained low shrub cover and height, while moderate grazing led to greater encroachment, unlike adjacent dwarf shrub stands dominated by Calicotome villosa and Sacropoterium spinosum, which recovered regardless of stocking rate [87]. The combination of wildfire, herbicides, phosphate fertilization, and cattle grazing achieved better results in maintaining shrub cover low in such habitats [88]. A study in a Polish National Park [89] found that cattle grazing resulted in lower biodiversity of shrub and tree species compared to mowing. In the broad sense, plant species tolerant to disturbances and stress were more likely to survive than competitive species in the absence of disturbance. Soil pre-trampling combined with seeding and cattle grazing was more effective at increasing Calluna cover in Nardus sites than rotavation followed by seeding and grazing [49]. When grazing was applied, Calluna cover was consistently higher in seeded treatments compared to unseeded ones. In contrast, in sites with rotavation, trampling, and grazing, Calluna cover was greater than in those trampled, seeded, and grazed, though it remained generally low. In any case, the target plant community was not restored, as secondary dwarf shrubs were not successfully established.

3.5. Other Cattle Grazing-Related Effects on Shrubs

The present review also examined several other interactions between cattle grazing and shrubs. Bokdam [90] investigated the synergistic effects of cattle and insects, specifically focusing on the beetle species Lochmaea suturalis in sandy Dutch heathlands. Cattle grazing affected most shrubs and low trees, leading to the dominance of Calluna vulgaris and the grass Deschampsia flexuosa in the landscape. The creation of gaps in the stands of both plant species initiated a cyclic succession between them. Also, the contribution of cattle trampling should be considered as a factor affecting the dominance of Calluna vulgaris, which was further reduced by the defoliation caused by beetles. Cibils et al. [91] measured the difference in the number of Atriplex canescens (saltbush) individuals by sex in Colorado, USA. They pointed out that female shrubs were more affected by grazing than males, likely due to cattle preferences and lower tolerance of female plants. In exclosures lacking grazing, more shrubs shifted to females, though the difference was minimal. Furthermore, cattle grazing was found to reduce the flowering and crown size of saltbush [92]. Samuelson and Rood [93] studied cattle grazing across four different altitudes on various riparian vegetation and observed that higher stocking rates decreased shrub cover and species richness, although the elevation’s combined effect was not significant. In contrast, research conducted in the Italian Alps by Parolo et al. [94] revealed that while grazing significantly reduced shrub cover, elevation had no effect, either independently or in synergy with grazing. Furthermore, Mayor et al. [95] investigated the effects of cattle grazing, with or without shrub cover, on the grass seed bank. It was found that the presence of shrubs or their absence produced mixed results, and it was not considered quite influential under grazing. An exception was the damaged seeds in grazed areas during both summer and winter, where shrub cover positively influenced the number of damaged perennial herb seeds, unlike in ungrazed areas. In a study performed in a wet climate area with oceanic characteristics, Echeverría et al. [96] reported that increased cattle dung was associated with a decrease in the size of forest fragments, which consisted of trees and dense shrubs. This implied that cattle utilized the forest when their presence was intense. Williams et al. [97] examined shrub seedlings in an Australian subalpine ecosystem and found that seedlings primarily established on bare ground. The lower number of seedlings in open areas was likely due to cattle grazing, while closed areas had few seedlings in grazed stands, likely due to non-palatable heaths and difficult access for grazers. However, the number of seedlings in ungrazed areas was not totally explained in this case. Freléchoux et al. [98] noted that cattle exclusion did not necessarily lead to immediate shrub expansion in the central Swiss Alps, as trees can colonize warm west-facing sites. Tocco et al. [99] showed that confining cattle to temporary night areas and providing mineral mix, forage reduced shrub cover, with confinement having a stronger effect. In a Swiss continental region, the thorny nurse shrub (Rosa rubiginosa) protected various afforested tree saplings from cattle grazing at low stocking densities [100], but heavy grazing resulted in increased shrub browsing and low sapling survival. Furthermore, in Mediterranean dehesas, Lopez Sanchez et al. [101] studied how indigenous shrubs acted as nurse plants for holm oaks (Quercus ilex). They found that saplings growing under shrubs had greater heights and higher height-to-diameter ratios compared to those growing in open areas or under tree canopies. However, this beneficial effect was not observed in areas with both trees and shrubs present, probably due to lower light penetration. In the Azores, a study aimed at restoring peatlands by introducing three shrub species (in different treatments involving one or multiple interventions), along with cattle grazing (at two different intensities) or grass cutting. In more degraded sites, grass-cutting combined with planting Juniperus brevifolia resulted in the best establishment of peat species. However, the combination of the same shrub with less intensive grazing produced the best results for the physicochemical properties of the peat. In the more natural sites, the results were less sound, but some grass-cutting treatments produced the best outcomes for both types of analyses, specifically Principal Response Curves and Redundancy Analyses [102]. Henkin et al. [103] studied the effect of adding polyethylene glycol (PEG) to cattle diets in Mediterranean shrublands, finding that PEG-treated cattle consumed more Pistacia lentiscus and traveled farther than the untreated counterparts, though differences were not always significant.

3.6. Grazing Effects on Shrubs by Different Cattle Breeds

Only four studies have directly compared different cattle breeds in rangeland habitats, where breed-specific preferences and grazing behaviors can vary significantly. The preservation of indigenous breeds is recommended because of their ability to withstand various environmental stresses better than improved breeds [15,104]. On this point, in one comparative study, Continental Cross cattle were not able to withstand environmental conditions in areas with low shrub coverage (Calluna vulgaris). Nevertheless, in areas with high shrub cover, both the Welsh Black and Continental Cross breeds showed very low consumption of dominant shrubs, although the crossbred cattle consumed higher amounts of the less abundant dwarf shrub forage [48]. Mayer et al. [105] studied the dietary habits of two different cattle breeds in the Swiss subalpine pastures, namely the Brown Swiss and the Rätisches Grauvieh. The authors mentioned that Brown Swiss cattle selected a higher quality of herbage than the endangered Rätisches Grauvieh breed, which consumed larger proportions of the available shrub material. In another study, Bele et al. [106] compared modern Norwegian Red cattle with indigenous breeds, such as the Sided Trønder and Nordland, and Western Fjord in an oceanic-to-continental climate. The modern breed grazed more frequently in natural habitats, including areas with a high presence of shrubs, but the autochthonous breeds included more woody forage in their diets. This contradiction can be explained by the higher weight of the modern breed, which made them search more extensively for suitable forage, making their diet more eclectic. In southern Sweden, the local Vaneko breed of dairy cattle was compared with Charolais heifers. It was found that the percentage of woody species in the Charolais diet was slightly greater during autumn, but the targeted species, Alnus glutinosa, was browsed significantly more by Vaneko cattle during the same season [107]. Despite the limited data available for breed comparisons, numerous studies highlight the importance of specific cattle breeds in their findings. In Wisconsin savanna-like woodlands, Scottish Highland cattle were observed to derive important parts of their diet from shrub species, especially Zanthoxylum americanum and Rubus spp. At one of the study sites, cattle based over 60% of their diet on woody forage during the summer, completely avoiding grass [108]. Additionally, this breed’s tolerance to harsh landscapes and areas with a high presence of shrubs was also observed in subalpine pastures by Svensk et al. [109].

Highland cattle were further studied in different areas of the western Alps, where their total consumption of woody vegetation ranged from 15% to over 45%, depending on local availability [39]. The cattle showed a strong preference for specific trees, such as Celtis australis, Fraxinus spp., and Populus tremula, as well as shrubs like Frangula alnus, Rubus idaeus, and Rhamnus spp. This dietary preference suggests that Highland cattle could be utilized to control shrub encroachment. An experiment conducted in the same region indicated that Highland cattle were more effective at controlling shrub expansion when molasses-based blocks were provided to them as a sugar supplement at the grazing sites [110]. In another Swiss subalpine pasture [53], it was found that, since the main way for shrub suppression was trampling rather than browsing, the heavier hardy Highland cattle may be more destructive than the also hardy Dexter breed. In contrast, the heathlands of the Insubrian climate in Switzerland, which share some characteristics with subtropical conditions [111], were not significantly affected by Highland cattle, which tended to avoid harsh environments in this case [112]. In other temperate regions, Highland cattle also showed promising results in shrub reduction and consumption [52,60,74]. The Spanish breeds Pirenaica, Asturianas de los Valles, and Avilena Negra Iberica have shown that they increased woody forage consumption during autumn [42,43,44,45,61,113] and/or suppressed shrub structure [41,114], with the Pirenaica breed performing that in synergy with Brown Swiss cattle [114]. Significant effects of grazing by the indigenous Camargue breed on shrubs were not observed in the study of Mesléard et al. [63] in the Camargue dry grasslands. In contrast, an open structure was maintained in the Palestinian oak stands [87], where the animals based more than 50% of their diets on woody forage during spring and summer [115]. In mid-January to mid-February showed that woody plants constituted 15% of the diet. Beef cattle were a mixture of local Baladi breeds with Hereford and subsequent infusions of Simmental blood, with an average liveweight of 392 kg.

The ability of animals to adapt to harsh environments has been extensively studied. Research by Magenis et al. [116] examined the importance of cattle age in browsing ability when targeted grazing is applied. Older individuals of the rare Irish Moiled breed were more effective in browsing Crataegus monogyna compared to their younger counterparts. The Holstein cattle, a high-producing dairy breed commonly used in intensive farming systems across the EU, often have limited access to pasture grazing [117]. However, it was reported that Holstein cattle can effectively reduce shrub cover in Belgian rangelands [118] as they spend up to 38% of their grazing time in spring, consuming woody species, with a particular preference for Crataegus species [119]. Finally, control of shrub encroachment was observed in other temperate climates using either indigenous breeds, such as the White-backed. [89], or a combination of native and imported ones, such as Rödkulla and Fjällnära, along with the English Hereford in Sweden [76].

3.7. Wildfires

Wildfires are a common non-grazing disturbance, especially in Mediterranean ecosystems [120], and their occurrence is rising in continental and other temperate areas due to climate change [121,122]. Grazing immediately after a wildfire is usually prohibited due to the risk of environmental degradation [123,124]. However, a few studies have assessed its effects, with grazing sometimes beginning many years after the fire incident. For instance, Henderson et al. [125] found that combined disturbances from wildfires and cattle grazing in New South Wales negatively affected shrub composition. However, evaluating their synergistic impact proved difficult, as unrecorded additional disturbances may have occurred, and no-grazing treatments were not included. Similarly, Tasker and Bradstock [126] identified grazing and wildfires as key factors in suppressing shrub layers, with cattle presence being significant, though evidence was insufficient to confirm their decisive role. In contrast, observations from Patagonian shrublands indicated that the abundance of shrubs allowed the shrubland community to recover after a wildfire, regardless of whether cattle or hare grazing occurred. Moreover, a burned forest in the same area showed a tendency to convert to shrubland due to grazing [72]. The palatable shrub species were suppressed as fuel, while other species could survive or even benefit from cattle grazing [35]. In the same region that is affected by frequent wildfires, the differences between stands grazed and ungrazed by cattle in phenological terms were highlighted by de Paz and Raffaele [127]. They found that cattle grazing has negatively affected the flowering and fruiting of palatable shrub species, resulting in a shorter flowering period compared to unpalatable ones. Additionally, a study focusing on Pinus halepensis colonization in a Mediterranean environment revealed that cattle grazing can enhance this species by reducing the vigor of its competitors, mainly low shrub species found in garrigue vegetation [128]. The influence of wildfire on this process was not significant, possibly due to the many years that had passed after the fire event.

3.8. Long-Term Studies

This sub-section examines the long-term effects of cattle grazing on shrubs, focusing on studies lasting 10 years or more. Perea et al. [41] and Listopad et al. [129] investigated the effects of cattle grazing on Iberian dehesas/montados for more than 30 years and 15 years, respectively. They found that cattle grazing negatively impacted shrub cover and seedlings or young shrubs, with Listopad et al. [129] noting lower shrub height where grazing was not excluded, though no significant differences were observed in no-grazing treatments after 5–15 years. Additional Mediterranean studies indicated declines in shrub cover or the creation of gaps in shrubs over various timeframes: 20 years [55], 18 years [130], and 17 years [88]. Furthermore, cattle grazing facilitated pine tree establishment by reducing shrub competition after 27 years [128]. However, contrasting results emerged from a 35-year study by Mesléard et al. [63] in Mediterranean dry grasslands, where they did not find a significant effect on shrub density or age.

In Alberta, Canada, two studies focused on the relationship between shrub encroachment and cattle grazing. Cattle were reported to reduce shrub cover in temperate grasslands, as indicated by 15–62 years of data from exclosure experiments [131]. Following a wetland creation, Dahl et al. [80] studied the impact of microclimate changes on shrub expansion and the effect of cattle grazing on the mitigation of the rate of microclimate change. They found that shrub cover was highly increased in all stands, grazed or not, but cattle involvement halted the shrub cover expansion to some extent. Another interesting finding was that in grazed stands, shrub cover was negatively correlated with the cover of alien species, while no such correlation was observed in ungrazed areas. In two sites located in oceanic climate regions dominated by herbaceous vegetation, it was noted that cattle grazing prevented the succession to shrublands over extended periods of 33 years [71] and 16 years [51]. This pattern was also observed in subtropical humid wetlands, where the presence of shrubs in the floristic composition was lower in grazing treatments over 15 years, even though shrub presence was generally low. Similarly, humid continental wetlands in southeast Wisconsin experienced a reduction in shrub cover due to cattle grazing. In areas where grazing exclusion was implemented for 27 years, shrub encroachment was much higher than in the areas where grazing exclusion lasted only 2.5 years [118]. A 40-year study in the subalpine region of the Bogong High Plains found lower heath cover in grazed plots [97]. A following 55-year study revealed mixed results regarding shrub cover, which was reduced by grazing in grasslands but increased at the same rate in burned heathlands, regardless of grazing presence [132]. In wetlands within the same region, cattle grazing reduced the heath cover and promoted the presence of alien species, leading to landscape degradation. As a result, cattle grazing was considered a harmful disturbance to the conservation of the area [133]. In Northern New South Wales, Australia, several logged sites were investigated, with the earliest logging taking place around the 1960s and completed in the middle of the past decade. Cattle grazing was the primary factor negatively influencing shrub cover in the area [126]. The longest-duration study on vegetation changes was performed in the Stockholm archipelago, where an area was resurveyed after more than 100 years [134]. Cattle grazing gradually ceased, with stocking rates starting to decrease during the 1920s, while the study ended in 1996. Similarly, haymaking activities ceased under a similar timeline. An increasing abundance of shrubs was mentioned, while the same happened with trees and shade-tolerant herbs.

4. Management Implications

This review discusses key topics regarding cattle grazing in rangelands and woodlands. Cattle are not typically the first choice for controlling shrub encroachment, but they can reduce shrub cover, as evidenced by approximately 77% of the studies reviewed. In contrast, the effects of grazing on “other structural” variables showed mixed results, with a significant number of cases reporting no change. In two cases, a reduction in shrub cover was observed, although the height of shrubs remained unchanged [55,72]. The availability of other forage also plays a crucial role in the outcomes; in intensively managed pastures, cattle tended to favor herbaceous forage, resulting in minimal impact on shrubs. Conversely, in adjacent semi-natural pastures where shrubs had initially increased due to prescribed burnings, cattle consumed more shrubby shoots. Consequently, a range of results regarding shrub and tree presence was noted [77].

Adjustments to low stocking rates are critical for areas at risk of forest degradation, whereas higher rates are essential for effective fuel reduction [33,36,49,67,70,87,100]. Long-term observations indicate that cattle grazing generally suppresses shrub structure and diversity [132], with few exceptions. This impact may result from trampling [53,108,135], manure deposition across various climates [136], or even other unrecorded disturbances, particularly in studies with limited monitoring [126]. Further research on the non-browsing effects of cattle on woody vegetation is needed to optimize stocking rate adjustments, particularly considering critical factors like soil compaction.

Studies examining both cattle dietary preferences and vegetation effects are limited. Seasonal patterns in forage consumption reveal that shrub and woody forage are less consumed in spring (0–10%) but are substantial in summer (over 50%). Despite abundant spring graminoids and herbs, the higher nutritive value of woody forage may lead to more efficient grazing behavior of cattle [119]. Among the three seasons analyzed, the fewest studies were conducted in autumn. This season had fewer studies than the other two seasons, reporting minimal shrub consumption. Cattle and other grazers shift to shrubs due to the progressive senescence of herbaceous vegetation [40,43,66,107]. This highlights the importance of shrublands in autumn, suggesting that policymakers should encourage herd movement in these areas. In certain ecosystems, preferred forage may disappear in early spring and regrow by summer, forcing cattle to rely more on woody vegetation during spring and winter, while their consumption of woody forage increases in summer as herbs become less available and mature [43]. Moreover, shrubs often provide an accessible feed source during energy conservation periods [113]. The observed dietary differences may partly reflect the particular literature reviewed and the types of temperate climates studied. In any case, the results of the pie charts (Figure 5) should be interpreted cautiously, as seasonal conditions vary significantly. Regarding cattle interactions with key shrub species, Calluna is particularly noted in oceanic climate environments. Although cattle can browse Calluna [47], they prefer herbaceous forage when abundant [48]. Therefore, targeted grazing by cattle in Calluna-dominant pastures depends on management goals, herbaceous forage quality and abundance, and applied stocking rates. The highest percentages of woody forage consumption were recorded in thinned oak wood pastures in Israel [115] and Wisconsin, USA [108]. Oak wood pastures represent vital habitats for livestock breeding and other economic activities across many temperate regions [12,137,138]. It seems that the proper management practices and specific cattle breed selection can enhance woody forage utilization, especially under targeted grazing systems.

Sheep demonstrated superior browsing capabilities compared to cattle in most studied cases. Although both species prefer meadows and pastures over shrublands, sheep more readily incorporate shrubs into their diet, affecting vegetation accordingly. On the other hand, goats, widely recognized as natural browsers [17], consistently prove to be the optimal species for targeted grazing aimed at shrub reduction, as confirmed in most goat-focused studies. This makes combined cattle-goat grazing particularly effective due to their complementary feeding behaviors [42]. Such mixed-species grazing approaches can significantly enhance animal welfare while reducing environmental impacts [139].

Wild and domestic horses proved less effective than cattle for shrub control, though they may better manage spiny shrub habitats. Research on other wild mammals, like cervids and rodents, remains limited. Deer species increase browsing across various forage environments and utilize more woody biomass than cattle. Their coexistence with cattle can have an important complementary effect in decreasing shrub biomass [30,65,70]. In one case, it was reported that cervids modified their feeding preferences in response to higher cattle stocking rates [67]. Therefore, conservation managers should consider habitat importance when permitting cattle grazing, though this field requires additional research.

Rabbits and other Lagomorpha species can effectively browse woody vegetation, especially in early seedling stages [140]. Different management goals exist for Lagomorpha and equines due to their population decline across various European habitats [41,71]. Meanwhile, rabbits are considered an alien species in many parts of Europe and South America [141,142]. The low number of studies focusing on the interaction or different preferences between cattle and lagomorpha is an interesting topic for future research. At the same time, cervids maintain abundant populations across many states of the USA and Canada. Thus, wild mammal population regulation could be one of the aims of management, or their presence could be used as a tool in cattle-grazed areas. Regarding rodents, studies including research on their dietary preferences in comparison with cattle and other livestock, such as those by Rosi et al. [73], need to be performed, so the possible effects of their coexistence can be further examined.

Studies included in the present review indicated that actions for fire prevention, like prescribed burning, were significantly enhanced by cattle grazing. Specifically, the genus Rubus is an example where cattle grazing seems to have a more pronounced impact than burning, according to Harrington and Kathol [74] and Amsten et al. [76]. Combination of mechanical interventions with cattle browsing proved highly beneficial in controlling shrub encroachment and improving floristic diversity, as well as creating landscapes safer from wildfires [5]. The ability of cattle to act as selective agents [86] can sometimes adjust shrub diversity, as some shrub species are natural competitors while others are more stress-tolerant, etc. [143]. Furthermore, although limited in number, the studies addressing wildfires emphasize that post-event management is important for the development of a sustainable landscape.

A key limitation of our work was the lack of comparative studies on different cattle breeds. Even though different breeds have been utilized across diverse environments, their impact, especially that of indigenous ones, needs to be carefully examined. Focusing solely on quantitative productivity in recent decades has resulted in a narrowing of the genetic material of cattle populations due to the use of modern breeds with little attention to their origin, adaptability to the local environmental conditions, and extensive management [144].

Our review highlighted some promising uses of autochthonous cattle breeds in landscape management, though comparative studies remain few. Evidence suggests indigenous breeds may be better suited for effective landscape management, while modern breeds might need higher-quality forage resources [47,117,118,119]. This field of research is expected to become more important as adjustments for climate change are anticipated [15]. Economic frameworks and agricultural subsidy policies should be revised to better support cattle breeders [145] and enhance environmental benefits [146]. An important limitation of our review was that the specific cattle breeds used in various studies were not usually mentioned. Highland cattle have expanded notably, proving effective for landscape management in the UK, USA, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, due to their productivity and adaptability in shrubby environments. Additionally, our findings on “other cattle grazing effects” highlight areas for further research, including the impact of grazing on dioecious plants, ecological variations associated with elevation changes, and rangeland performance about supplementary feeding practices, which are underexplored in temperate ecosystems.

5. Conclusions

Temperate ecosystems are increasingly challenged by environmental changes and livestock grazing, with shrub browsing by cattle emerging as a key research focus due to its ecological significance. A comprehensive understanding of the relationship between economically important livestock species and their utilization of rangeland biomass is essential. This review provides, to our knowledge, the first comprehensive study examining multiple aspects of this relationship, with a particular emphasis on cattle. Research on this topic has increased since the early 21st century, likely influenced by the increasing digitalization of scientific publications and the rising interest in ecosystem balance. The United States has been the leader in both the volume and timing of studies, although Europe, Israel, and Argentina have also made important contributions. Our findings indicate that the presence of cattle usually suppresses shrub structure and diversity, although we identified cases where this effect was not observed. These exceptions can be attributed to factors such as low stocking rates, cattle’s limited preference for shrubby forage, or a combination of both. While the suppressive effect of shrubs can be a beneficial strategy for landscape managers aiming to control shrub encroachment, it may have negative consequences for habitat conservation. In the studies we reviewed, we observed a decline in shrub species diversity, despite the overall limited number of studies on this topic. Shrubby and woody vegetation are important feed sources for cattle, with their presence in the diet varying seasonally. While these plants are particularly significant in autumn, they also provide valuable forage during summer and spring. Cattle usually consume less than 5 to 10% of woody forage, although higher consumption rates can occasionally be observed. Cattle display specific behavioral patterns when competing with other animal species in shrub-dominated habitats, with their browsing behavior being less pronounced than that of sheep, goats, cervids, or rodents, but more significant compared to equines. The non-browsing effect of cattle, such as trampling, has not been sufficiently examined, leaving a gap in understanding their full ecological impact. The effects of cattle grazing are often intensified by combined management interventions or disturbances, such as wildfires, which raises concerns about plant regeneration, especially after wildfires. Indigenous cattle breeds are more adaptable in shrub-dense areas than crossbreds. Although further research is necessary, utilizing indigenous cattle that effectively browse is essential for preventing shrub encroachment, prioritizing conservation over productivity.

Consequently, there is a need for more detailed analyses of plant species consumed by cattle and to identify research gaps, particularly in shrub-rich ecosystems. Addressing these gaps is essential for understanding the impact of grazing on these environments.