Studies of Animal Feeding Behavior and Intake in Free-Choice Applications

摘要

Proper mineral and protein supplementation is an essential component of any nutritional program for beef cattle. In confinement, minerals, vitamins and protein are usually provided to cattle as a loose or pelleted supplement that contains the ingredients to meet dietary requirements. Similarly, supplements such as range pellets or creep feeds can be delivered to cows and calves on pasture, but the inconvenience of having to transport large quantities of feed to remote grazing sites often prompts producers to provide mineral and protein supplements to pastured cattle on a free-choice basis. This method of supplementation assumes that all cattle within the pasture will consume sufficient quantities to meet requirements, and not consume excess quantities that would result in wastage or toxicity.