FORAGE: a model of forage intake in beef cattle

A deterministic simulation model (FORAGE) has been developed as an interface between the plant and animal components of a general rangeland ecosystem model (SPUR). The model predicts forage intake and diet selection of grazing beef cattle by simulating the mechanistic components of grazing behavior....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Ecological modelling 1992, Vol.60 (3), p.257-279
Main Authors: Baker, B.B., Bourdon, R.M., Hanson, J.D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal ethology
BEEF CATTLE
Biological and medical sciences
BOVIN DE BOUCHERIE
diets
FEED INTAKE
food availability
FORAGE
foraging behavior
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
GANADO DE CARNE
GRAZING
GRAZING INTENSITY
INGESTION DE PIENSO
INTENSIDAD DE PASTOREO
INTENSITE DE PATURAGE
livestock
Mammalia
mathematical models
MODELE DE SIMULATION
MODELOS DE SIMULACION
PARCOURS
PASTOREO
PATURAGE
PRISE ALIMENTAIRE (ANIMAUX)
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
RANGELANDS
SIMULATION MODELS
TIERRAS DE PASTOS
Vertebrata
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Summary:A deterministic simulation model (FORAGE) has been developed as an interface between the plant and animal components of a general rangeland ecosystem model (SPUR). The model predicts forage intake and diet selection of grazing beef cattle by simulating the mechanistic components of grazing behavior. Bite size, rate of biting, rate of intake and grazing time are modified by changes in sward characteristics. Sensitivity analyses revealed that the model is sensitive to underestimation of critical parameters. The model suggests that, when forage availability is limited, intake is limited by rate of intake and grazing time.
ISSN:0304-3800
1872-7026
DOI:10.1016/0304-3800(92)90036-E