Herbage intake rates and grazing behaviour of sheep and goats grazing grass or white clover

摘要

Sheep with a low intake potential (non-pregnant, non-lactating) grazing monocultures of white clover have higher intake rates and lower grazing times than those grazing grass (Penning et al, 1991, Appl Anim Beh Sci, 31, 237-250). To examine whether goats show similar behaviour, 24 Scottish Halfbred ewes (92 ±1,39 kg) and 24 British Saanen does (64 ± 1.32 kg) grazed, at 6 cm sward surface height, either monocultures of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L. cv Parcour) or white clover (Trifolium repens L. cv Kent Wild White) in 12 groups containing 4 animals. The experiment had a 2 (sheep or goats) x 2 (grass or clover) factorial design with treatments replicated on three occasions. On each occasion different plots and animals were used and herbageintake rates were measured during the main evening meal, starting at 18:00 h approximately. Animals had been on their grazing behaviour over 24 h were made on two further occasions.