Title: An Aspect of Feeding Behavior and Its Importance to Grazing Systems
Abstract: A study of domestic sheep (Ovis aries) showed significant (P<O.OOl) differences in the amount of time ewes walked while grazing in different pastures when the forage in the new pasture differed from that of the previous pasture. Ewes searched for alfalfa in a new pasture when it was a major constituent of the previous pasture, but did not appear to search for alfalfa in a new pasture if it was not a major constituent of the previous pasture. Ewes appeared to adjust to less preferred diets within a few days and modified their grazing behavior accordingly. The management implications of prior conditioning are discussed. Some specialized grazing systems present livestock with a succession of pastures that differ in vegetation composition and growth stage; Animals in such systems often exhibit disappointing weight gains (reviewed by Heady 196 1,1975). Part of the problem may lie in the animal’s responses to new or different plant communities. For example, if animals are placed in a new pasture that contains fewer preferred food plants than they are accustomed to, the animals may spend time and energy searching for the more preferred species. Prior experience with specific vegetation may even influence their diet (Arnold 1964, Arnold and Maller 1977). A more complete understanding of the behavioral consequences of shifting livestock from one vegetation type to another may provide some insight into designing better grazing systems. This paper examines the proportion of time sheep spend moving after being placed in pastures of differing vegetation composition.