Studies on the habits of Zebu cattle I. Preliminary observations on grazing habits

Abstract

In order to form a basis for any improvements of cattle and pasture management in East Africa it was decided to observe the grazing habits of the local cattle. A review of the literature shows that animals' habits can be influenced by temperature, but no record could be found to indicate the effect on the animals of elevation and an equable climate.A summary is given of the results obtained during 720 cow-watching hours. Comparing these results with those obtained by other workers it is clear that Bos indicus cattle on a high-level plateau under tropical conditions have distinct and unique habits. On the average, during days with 12 hr. daylight 7·7 hr. were spent in grazing, 93% of this time being during daylight; 5·2 hr. were spent in ruminating, only 23% of this being during the hours of daylight.