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Cattle feeding deterrents emitted from cattle feces
1Department of Ecology, National Grassland Research Institute, Senbonmatu, Nishinasuno, 329-27, Tochigi, Japan.
Journal of Chemical Ecology
|November 22, 2013
Summary
Cattle avoid grazing near feces due to a persistent odor. Volatile chemicals from feces act as feeding deterrents, making nearby forage unpalatable for over a month.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Agricultural Science
- Chemical Ecology
Background:
- Cattle exhibit grazing avoidance of forage contaminated with feces.
- This avoidance behavior can persist for extended periods, impacting pasture utilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of cattle feces odor in deterring grazing behavior.
- To identify the specific volatile chemical components responsible for this feeding deterrence.
Main Methods:
- Feeding choice tests were conducted with cattle using partitioned troughs to isolate feces odor.
- Volatile chemicals were collected from feces using a cold trap method and fractionated.
- Bioactivity of chemical fractions was assessed by their effect on cattle feeding behavior.
Main Results:
- Cattle rejected feed exposed to feces odor for up to 35 days post-excretion.
- Volatile chemicals isolated from feces also inhibited feeding.
- The ether fraction, particularly the neutral sub-fraction, of these volatiles was found to be bioactive.
Conclusions:
- Feces odor is a primary factor causing the unpalatability of forage near cattle feces.
- Specific volatile chemicals emitted from cattle feces act as feeding deterrents, influencing grazing patterns.
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