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The effects of concentrate supplementation on growth performance and behavioral activities of cattle grazed on natural pasture

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Abstract

The study was conducted in Manyara Region, to determine the effect of concentrate supplementation on growth performance and foraging behavior of zebu steers. Twenty zebu steers were distributed equally into two dietary groups: pasture + concentrate (PS) and natural pasture alone (NP). The animals’ body weight and body condition scores were estimated every 2 weeks. The focal observation technique was used to determine grazing behavior. The average daily gain (ADG) was significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) in the PS than in the NP. Significant less time (P ≤ 0.05) was spent in feeding by animals in the PS than those in the NP. Significant less bite rates (P ≤ 0.05) were also observed in the PS than in the NP. The most highly abundant forage species exhibited low CP contents but were most frequently eaten by the focal animals. Strategic supplementation with locally available concentrates is recommended for profitable ruminant productivity and environmentally friendly grazing strategy.

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Acknowledgments

The research was financed by the Enhancing Pro-poor Innovation in Natural Resources and Agricultural Value Chains (EPINAV) programme.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P. O. Box 5003, N-1432, Ås, Norway

    Ismail Saidi Selemani

  2. Department of International Environment and Development Studies (Noragric), Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P. O. Box 5003, N-1432, Ås, Norway

    Lars Olav Eik

  3. Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P. O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania

    Ismail Saidi Selemani

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  1. Ismail Saidi Selemani
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  2. Lars Olav Eik
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Correspondence to Ismail Saidi Selemani.

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Selemani, I.S., Eik, L.O. The effects of concentrate supplementation on growth performance and behavioral activities of cattle grazed on natural pasture. Trop Anim Health Prod 48, 229–232 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-015-0935-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-015-0935-z

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