Herbage intake by steers grazing in a natural grassland with predominance of Andropogon lateralis Nees managed under different canopy heights

ABSTRACT: The animal performance on pasture is directly correlated to canopy structure since this influences the herbage consumption. This study was evaluated effects of four pre-grazing heights (12, 20, 28 and 36 cm) Andropogon lateralis Ness intake feeding behavior steers in a natural grassland under intermittent stocking management, using same proportion defoliation (40% reduction height, i.e., post-grazing 7.2, 12.0, 16.8 21.6 cm). experiment conducted total area 14,000 m2, divided into sixteen paddocks 875 m2. Thirty-two were used, uniform pairs according live weight (LW) at start (244 ± 23.0 kg). Each paddock subdivided three plots identical area; first two used for adaptation period third assessment period. A randomized block design with replicates periods. Herbage mass neutral detergent fiber content increased linearly (P < 0,001) increase heights. In contrast, not affected by treatments, mean values 75 g/kg dry matter (DM) upper stratum 83 DM lower stratum. similar between treatments = 0.255), averaging 1.78% LW. Grazing time decreased increasing Total spent grazing, ruminating, idling did differ means 52.6%, 23.0%, 24.2%, respectively. Pre-grazing based predominant species A. lateralis, affect daily steers.