Domestic animals feed differently than native bison, elk, rabbits, prairie dogs, insects and other herbivores. For example, bison preferentially feed on grasses whereas domestic grazers selectively reduce some flowering species. Cattle grazing will yield a different, less natural biological community than bison grazing. Prairie hay is desirable and efficient for livestock feeding. We also need to consider the effects of soil disturbance.
Some species thrive with soil disturbance from burrowing or uprooted trees.