Feed Bunk Management and Cattle Feeding Behavior

摘要

Adequate consumption of feed ensures survival, productivity, and profitability of a dairy and beef cattle, consequently an understanding of feed bunk management and facility factors affecting feeding behavior is critical. Feeding is the predominant behavior of ruminants and is exemplified by the fact that feeding activity has priority over rumination whenever the causal factors of the two activities conflict (Metz, 1975). Well-designed cattle management systems accommodate normal feeding behavior toimprove animal comfort and well-being. For example, accessibility of feed during times of the day when cows want to eat, e.g. when leaving the milking parlor, promotes greater feeding activity in dairy cattle (Menzi and Chase, 1994). Likewise, proper animal grouping strategies within dairy herds will reduce competition for feed at the bunk or manger and improve feed intake.