Selective Consumption by Stall-Fed Cattle and Its Influence on the Results of a Digestibility Trial

Abstract

The selective consumption of roughages by stall fed steers was investigated and the results are compared with some published figures. A digestibility trial with Panicum maximum hay using 6 Zebu steers was carried out and the effect of selective consumption on digestibility coefficients, digestible nutrients and accuracy of techniques is discussed. The results show that the animals were able to select certain parts of the roughages and that the eaten portions were superior to those offered.