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Submitted to: Agricultural Research Service Publication
Publication Type: Other Publication Acceptance Date: 4/1/2008 Publication Date: 4/20/2008 Citation: Soder, K.J. 2008. Diet Selection and Grazing Behavior. Agricultural Research Service Publication. Fact Sheet. Interpretive Summary: Not applicable Technical Abstract: This fact sheet summarizes some of the current knowledge regarding grazing behavior. A grazing ruminant is presented with a smorgasbord of choices when turned out onto a pasture. However, little is understood on how selection decisions are made by the animal. Grazing behavior research is attempting to address these issues to improve animal and pasture productivity. Studies conducted in the United Kingdom with perennial ryegrass and white clover pastures showed that, when given a choice, cattle and sheep preferred clover over ryegrass, yet switched consumption from clover to ryegrass mid-day. While the mechanism of this switch is not yet known, suggested theories include: grazing animals may have learned through trial and error that clover causes bloat/discomfort; grazing ruminants may have inherently learned that grass ‘fills them up’ more for that long night-time fast; and the sugar content of grasses is higher in the afternoon than in the morning, which may influence preference for grasses in the afternoon. Pastures in the United States tend to be much more diverse than the ryegrass/clover pastures used in the UK studies. We do not yet know whether the same preferences occur with our diverse forages as what was seen in the previous studies with relatively few choices. The USDA-ARS Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Unit is currently conducting research to answer these questions. Gaining a better understanding of diet preferences of grazing ruminants will help in developing improved grazing strategy recommendations, improved pasture mixture, and ultimately, improved animal and pasture productivity. |
