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ARS Home » Northeast Area » University Park, Pennsylvania » Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #236678
Title: Bite mass of cattle related to sward structure of four temperate grasses in short-term tests

Author
item Soder, Kathy
item Sanderson, Matt
item GREGORINI, PABLO - DAIRYNZ LTD
item ORR, ROBERT - INST GRASSLAND ENVIRON
item Rubano, Melissa
item ROOK, ANDREW - INST GRASSLAND ENVIRON

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/15/2009
Publication Date: 3/4/2009
Citation: Soder, K.J., Sanderson, M.A., Gregorini, P., Orr, R.J., Rubano, M.D., Rook, A.J. 2009. Bite mass of cattle related to sward structure of four temperate grasses in short-term tests[abstract]. Northeast Pasture and Research Consortium Annual Meeting. p. 1.

Interpretive Summary: An interpretive summary is not required.

Technical Abstract: Understanding how sward structure affects grazing behavior of ruminants requires knowledge of sward-animal interactions at the bite level. Therefore, the effect of sward structure of four grass species on bite mass of grazing dairy cows was evaluated. Holstein cows were offered micro-swards (79 cm x 47 cm x 11.5 cm) of one of four grass species [reed canarygrass (RCG), quackgrass (QG,), orchardgrass (OG), and meadow fescue (MF)] in short-term foraging tests in each of two years (2006, 2007). Cows were allowed to take 50 bites in each test. Bite mass was calculated by dividing the adjusted micro-sward weight change by the number of bites. Sward height, bulk density, and distribution of dry matter in the canopy were measured pre- and postgrazing. Mean fresh and dry matter (DM) bite masses were not affected by grass species. Fresh and DM bite masses were greater during 2006. Herbage mass and sward surface height were greatest for RCG in both years. Bulk density was not affected by treatment (species) in 2006, but was greatest for MF and RCG in 2007. Despite differences in sward structure within each year, bite mass in cattle grazing these four grasses was not affected.