Sixteen-month-old heifers from herds having known genetic growth patterns were compared for differences in grazing behavior in a 3-yr study. Treatments were heifers from four size-maturity groups defined by the mature size and maturing rate of cow herds in which they originated. Average growth curve parameters indicating mature BW and rate of maturing in these cow herds were 387 kg and .19%/d for treatment Group I; 413 kg and .18%/d for Group II; 468 kg and .15%/d for Group m, and 589 kg and .16%/d for treatment Group IV. Data were from three heifers per treatment group grazing Midland bermudagrass during June and July observation periods. With the exception of the Group I1 vs Group 111 comparison, bite size increased with current or mature BW. Biting rate values were similar for all treatment groups but lower than those previously reported on other grass swards. Grazing time increased (P < .01) in treatment groups defined by larger mature BW. Differences in grazing time for Group N vs the other treatments and Group I vs Group I1 and Group III were observed repeatdy; the Group II vs Group HI comparison was significant in one period during each of the 3 yr. Diurnal variations in grazing patterns among the treatments were observed. Period of observation affected (P < . 0 1 ) bite size and grazing time. These effects were not associated with month but could best be explained by differences in forage height and total mass. Forage availability had a direct influence on bite size, and a compensating effect of longer grazing time with smaller bite size was demonstrated as a regulator of intake. Differences in ingestive behavior were associated with genetic growth patterns in cattle. (

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