Concentrate Supplement Modifies the Feeding Behavior of Simmental Cows Grazing in Two High Mountain Pastures

Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
Alberto RomanzinStefano Bovolenta

Abstract

During grazing on Alpine pastures, the use of concentrates in dairy cows' diet leads to a reduction of the environmental sustainability of farms, and influences the selective pressure on some plant species. In order to minimize the use of concentrates, it is imperative to obtain data on the grazing behavior of cows. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of concentrate levels on the behavior of dairy cows during grazing. One hundred and ten lactating Italian Simmental cows, that sequentially grazed two pastures characterized by Poion alpinae (Poion) and Seslerion caeruleae (Seslerion) alliance, were considered. For each pasture, eight cows were selected and assigned to two groups: High and Low, supplemented with 4 kg/head/d, and 1 kg/head/d of concentrate respectively. Cows were equipped with a noseband pressure sensor and a pedometer (RumiWatch system, ITIN-HOCH GmbH) to assess grazing, ruminating, and walking behavior. In addition, the plant selection of the animals was assessed. On Poion, increased supplement intake caused a more intense selection of legumes, without affecting feeding and walking times. On Seslerion, grazing time was higher in Low than High. Grazing management in alpine region must take into account ...Continue Reading

References

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Citations

May 9, 2019·Animal : an International Journal of Animal Bioscience·M KoczuraM Coppa
Apr 8, 2020·Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI·Chiara SpigarelliStefano Bovolenta
May 15, 2020·Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI·Mirco CorazzinStefano Bovolenta
Mar 1, 2019·Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI·Mirco CorazzinStefano Bovolenta

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Software Mentioned

RumiWatch
SPSS

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