A large animal can expend tremendous energy when traveling on a slope. To compensate, grazing animals create trails that run parallel to a slope. These trails allow animals to graze the upper slope while standing on flat ground, which provides energy and grazing efficiencies (Figure 1). When cattle do this, it is colloquially known as “cowtouring,” because the trails resemble the practice of contour cropping and terracing.
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Grazing animals will create efficient routes to acquire water, mineral, or feed. However, these trails may become difficult to travel during periods of wet weather. Erosion of the trail could also expose clay subsoil, which can become slippery, plastic, and difficult to traverse. The energy expended and drudgery experienced by a large animal traveling on a slope can be tremendous. Producers interested in providing a more effective trail should consider implementing an all-weather surface application.
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