Feeding behavior of steers fed a complete mixed ration

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Ruminant Nutrition
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Understanding cattle feeding behavior is crucial for optimizing livestock management and nutrition.
• Detailed analysis of meal patterns provides insights into feed intake regulation and efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify feeding behavior parameters in Holstein steers.
• To investigate the relationship between meal size, eating rate, and meal duration.
• To identify diurnal feeding patterns in steers fed a complete mixed ration.

Main Methods:

• Utilized individual, electronically controlled feeding behavior units to monitor five Holstein steers.
• Measured individual meal and daily behavioral parameters, including meal number, size, duration, and intervals.
• Calculated eating rates and analyzed diurnal feeding patterns.

Main Results:

• Steers consumed an average of 10.01 meals daily, with 60.9% occurring between 0600 and 1800 h.
• Average meal size was 414.5 g; body weight explained <30% of meal size variation.
• Increased eating rate and meal length correlated with larger meals, with eating rate plateauing while meal length increased.

Conclusions:

• Holstein steers display consistent diurnal feeding patterns and meal characteristics.
• Meal size is influenced by eating rate and meal duration, rather than primarily by body weight.
• Findings contribute to a better understanding of feed intake regulation in beef cattle.