It is important to estimate the small-scale population density of livestock to better understand the relationship between pasture plants and livestock grazing. For example, although the consumption rate of livestock (i.e., daily amount of pasture plants eaten by one livestock) is unclear, it is possible to calculate that rate by comparing the estimated density of livestock in a small area with the total amount of feeding. We used the fecal accumulation rate technique to estimate livestock density at a small scale. Estimated densities were compared with GPS data of livestock movements and with the total amount of feeding as calculated by a mowing experiment for estimation of the consumption rate.

The estimated density of livestock showed a significant correlation with the density of GPS points. Thus, the fecal accumulation rate technique can be applied to the small-scale estimation of livestock density in Mongolia.

The consumption rate in steppe area was relatively constant (1.99–2.47 kg/head∙d), while that rate in forest steppe area varied among periods (0.91–3.66 kg/head∙d). These results suggest that the consumption rate can change for different areas and months even in the same season. Differences in the total production of pasture plants and livestock composition may be reasons for these differences.