Table 1 Characteristics of tall fescue and alfalfa plants (± SE) with significance (P < 0.05) for difference between species (NDF, neutral detergent fiber; DMIVD, dry matter in vitro digestibility; IR, dry matter intake rate; DI, digestible dry matter intake).
From: Resource heterogeneity and foraging behaviour of cattle across spatial scales
| Â | Forage species | P value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Â | Alfalfa | Tall fescue | Â |
Mass offered (g/pot) | 3.69 (± 0.25) | 4.66 (± 0.25) | < 0.0093 |
Height (cm) | 29.9 (± 0.2) | 19.8 (± 0.2) | < 0.0001 |
Dry matter (%) | 22.8 (± 0.6) | 25.1 (± 0.6) | < 0.0073 |
Crude protein (%) | 22.7 (± 0.5) | 12.5 (± 0.5) | < 0.0001 |
NDF (%) | 33.2 (± 0.9) | 51.9 (± 0.9) | < 0.0001 |
DMIVD (%) | 71.7 (± 0.9) | 66.5 (± 0.9) | < 0.0001 |
Average bite weight (g) | 1.55 (± 0.03) | 0.89 (± 0.03) | < 0.0001 |
Average biting rate (bites/min) | 45.0 (± 1.0) | 46.2 (± 1.0) | NS1 |
Average IR (g/min) | 69.7 (± 1.6) | 41.07 (± 1.6) | < 0.0001 |
Maximum daily DI (kg) | 20.55 | 13.12 | Not determined |