Selective feeding behavior of calves is affected by basal diet

Abstract

The present study examined the way the selective feeding behavior of calves was affected by basal diet. Three basal diets containing oat hay and concentrate, with the addition of different levels of roughage content (low, medium and high) were prepared by changing their mix ratios. Orchard grass (OG) and Japanese pampas grass leaf (JP) were used as testing foods. In the preliminary phase, all calves were fed each basal diet three times per day and then food selection between JP and OG was examined. Dry matter intake (DMI) of JP and OG throughout the test was significantly different. Increasing the roughage rate in the basal diet decreased the DMI of JP, whereas the DMI of OG was increased. There was no significant effect of basal diet condition on nutrient intake, whereas the acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber ingestive efficiency were affected by the basal diet condition. It is suggested that calves prefer food that complement the basal diet, even if nutrient requirements are met.

Performance and eating behaviour of crossbred goats in Mediterranean climate of Turkey

“…Consequently, despite different eating behaviour, both genotypes had similar feed intake. Fukasawa et al (2005) reported that genetic differences among breeds may influence intake as well as the eating behaviour of animals. Variations in eating activity observed in goat breeds may result from differences in body size and oral morphology (Provenza et al 2003).…”

Effect of the last diet on the selective feeding behavior of heifers

“…They were progeny from the same sire. Two of the three subjects in the present study were the same animals used in a previous study (Fukasawa et al . 2005).…”

“…Each diet was formulated to meet the need for total digestive nutritients (TDN) according to the Japanese Feeding Standard for Beef Cattle (Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Research Council Secretariat 2000). Details of the diets are described in a previous study (Fukasawa et al . 2005).…”

“…Even when a nutritionally balanced diet is eaten to satiety, it may result in an aversion and ruminants will seek another diet (Early & Provenza 1998). Sheep (Wang & Provenza 1996) and calves (Fukasawa et al . 2005) prefer foods that complement the macronutrient composition of their basal diet (BD).…”

Farklı Yemleme Sistemlerinin Alman Alaca ve Saanen Keçilerinde Performans ve Süt Kompozisyonu Üzerine Etkisi

“…In addition, there are reports showing that dairy goats in various genotype may give different response to the feeding systems (Provenza et al 2003;Mellado et al 2004;Fukasawa et al 2005). Therefore, the objective of the current study was to examine the effect of different feeding systems (total mixed ration vs. separate roughage-concentrate) on the milk yield, milk composition, and body weight chance of German Fawn and Saanen does.…”