Table 3 Summary of probability values for the effect of patch size and distance between patches and for the linear and quadratic effect on components of feeding behavior by cows at alfalfa and tall fescue patches.

Dry matter intake (g)

   Alfalfa

< 0.0001

< 0.0001

0.164

0.117

0.065

0.349

   Fescue

< 0.0001

< 0.0001

0.493

0.087

0.031

0.901

Bites cropped

   Alfalfa

< 0.0001

< 0.0001

0.429

0.037

0.011

0.785

   Fescue

< 0.0001

< 0.0001

0.159

0.021

0.008

0.566

Residence time (s)

   Alfalfa

< 0.0001

< 0.0001

0.161

0.047

0.015

0.996

   Fescue

< 0.0001

< 0.0001

0.288

0.047

0.026

0.328

Feeding stations (FS)

   Alfalfa

< 0.0001

< 0.0001

0.154

0.516

0.363

0.543

   Fescue

< 0.0001

< 0.0001

0.286

0.053

0.042

0.279

Bites per FS

   Alfalfa

0.627

0.305

0.714

0.342

0.142

0.867

   Fescue

0.196

0.245

0.156

0.012

0.004

0.587

Bite weight (g)

   Alfalfa

0.010

0.223

0.004

0.151

0.155

0.212

   Fescue

0.175

0.197

0.161

0.409

0.318

0.426

Biting rate (bites/min)

   Alfalfa

0.073

0.025

0.857

0.692

0.408

0.928

   Fescue

0.771

0.983

0.478

0.374

0.168

0.905

Intake rate (g/min)

   Alfalfa

0.040

0.478

0.017

0.505

0.487

0.377

   Fescue

0.106

0.067

0.233

0.528

0.666

0.313