Bite-count vs fecal analysis for range animal diets [of cattle in Texas]

This study indicated that the bite-count and fecal analysis methods give similar results for estimating major components of cattle diets in Texas. The bite-count method could not be used on large, brush-infested pastures with rough terrain; however, the fecal analysis method was easily used under su...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of range management 1980-03, Vol.33 (2), p.146-149
Main Authors: Sanders, K.D, Dahl, B.E, Scott, G
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Cattle
Diet
Digestive tract
Forage
Forbs
Grazing management
Microscope slides
Pastures
Trichomes
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Summary:This study indicated that the bite-count and fecal analysis methods give similar results for estimating major components of cattle diets in Texas. The bite-count method could not be used on large, brush-infested pastures with rough terrain; however, the fecal analysis method was easily used under such conditions. Other advantages of fecal analyses were: samples were collected with a minimum of field work, diets of wild and domestic animals could be obtained, and bad weather and poor field conditions were not problems. Major disadvantages of the fecal analysis technique were: forages with dense stellate trichomes were overestimated; mesquite beans were retained in the digestive tract for abnormally long periods; the laboratory phase required a trained technician; and the work was tedious.
ISSN:0022-409X
2162-2728
DOI:10.2307/3898431