The influence of patches on the foraging behaviour and feed intake of cattle was investigated in a tropical rangeland environment, north-east Queensland. Areas mown to simulate grazed patches were sprayed with the indigestible marker ytterbium acetate to determine the contribution of patches to total feed intake. Digestibility and nitrogen content of the patch areas were higher than those of non -patch areas. Feed intake from paddocks with mown patches was higher than intake from paddocks with no patches. Detailed observation during morning and afternoon grazing periods showed that cattle spent a significant amount of foraging time on patches relative to the total area of the patches in the paddock.
September 24-27, 1996
Port Augusta, South Australia
ISSN 1323-6660
Full-text publications from the Australian Rangelands Society (ARS) Biennial Conference Proceedings (1997-), Rangeland Journal (ARS/CSIRO; 1976-), plus videos and other resources about the rangelands of Australia.