Forage Intake in Two-Year Old Cows and Heifers Grazing Blue Grama Summer Range

Abstract

Forage intake was estimated in 2-year-old cows and 2-year-old heifers grazing blue grama summer range by using the fecal output-indigestibility ratio technique. Heifers consumed only 67% as much forage as cows (1.4 vs 2.1 percent of body weight). Forage intake by cows was greater in earlier stages of lactation than in later stages (2.5% of body weight at 90 days postpartum vs 1.7% of body weight at 150 days postpartum). Considerable variation occurred in estimated levels of intake.