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The influence of size of animal and stocking rate on the herbage intake and grazing behaviour of cattle

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

J. L. F. Zoby  and
W. Holmes
J. L. F. Zoby
Affiliation:
Wye College (University of London), Ashford, Kent
W. Holmes
Affiliation:
Wye College (University of London), Ashford, Kent
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Summary

Twenty-four Friesian cattle classed as large, medium or small and from 776 to 163 kg initial live weight (LW) were grazed over two successive 8-week periods. Two stocking rates were imposed and there were four replicates. Trios of animals, including one of each size, grazed in each paddock. Cattle changed stocking rate in mid-season. Herbage intake, live-weight gain and grazing behaviour were recorded.

The stocking rates resulted in large differences in herbage allowance and consequent differences in intake, live-weight gain and grazing behaviour. The large cattle were least able to compensate for the higher stocking rate by increasing grazing time or frequency of biting. Average herbage organic-matter (OM) intakes ranged from 13 g OM/kg LW for large animals to 28 g OM/kg LW for the small animals.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 100 , Issue 1 , February 1983 , pp. 139 - 148
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1983

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