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Thermal balance of cattle grazing winter range: model application
1Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, 59717, USA.
Journal of Animal Science
|April 14, 2006
Summary
Beef cattle conserve energy in winter through behavior, reducing metabolic needs. Models accounting for solar radiation and behavior more accurately predict energy requirements for grazing cattle.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Rangeland Ecology
- Environmental Physiology
Background:
- Beef cattle in Northern Rockies winter rangelands face cold and wind with low-quality forage.
- Existing models may overestimate cattle energy needs by not including behavioral adaptations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To refine a thermal balance model for free-ranging cattle.
- To incorporate behavioral and environmental factors into heat exchange calculations.
Main Methods:
- Developed a thermal balance equation using cattle insulation and geometric models.
- Simulated heat exchange considering sun and wind orientation.
- Validated model predictions against measured heat production in three studies.
Main Results:
- Model predictions closely matched reported heat production.
- Behavioral adaptations (lying, sun orientation) significantly mitigated cold effects.
- Solar radiation was a major factor in thermal balance.
Conclusions:
- Behavioral and environmental factors are crucial for accurate cattle energy requirement modeling.
- Previous models may overestimate metabolic needs of winter-grazing cattle.
- Solar radiation significantly impacts thermal balance, especially for cattle in near-maintenance states.
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