A note on the voluntary intake of Andropogon gayanus hay by cattle, as affected by level of feeding

Abstract

SUMMARYUnchaffed Andropogon gayanus hays, harvested in July, September, early-October, late-October and November, and the July to November regrowth, were offered to White Fulani heifers at three levels of feeding.Animals on all hays selected for protein and the mean intake of the different hays was closely related to the protein content of the consumed forage. At the low level of feeding all animals, except those on the July hay, left more than 15% residue. Nevertheless, higher levels of feeding had a marked linear effect on feed intake. This effect was largely independent of the effect of level of feeding on the protein content of the consumed ration and was associated with a strong selection for leaves.