In this work, we have revealed the potential contribution of herbivores to ecosystem nutrient fluxes through dung deposition. Dung deposition is particularly important in nutrient-limited ecosystems such as alpine systems. However, herbivore dung content (carbon, C; nitrogen, N; phosphorus, P; potassium, K) and stoichiometry (C/N) may differ among species due to differences in diet, seasonality, body type, feeding strategy, and/or digestive system with consequences for soil biogeochemistry. On the other hand, there is a strong seasonal pattern in faecal nutrient deposition related to diet composition, particularly grass feeding. The lack of livestock practices in our Alpine mountains would have a great impact on soil nutrients, plant dynamics, and finally ecosystem integrity.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969723052415?via%3Dihub