The Influence of Age and Winter Environment on Protein Block Intake Behavior of Beef Cattle Winter Grazing Mixed-Grass Rangelands

This study evaluated the influence of cow age and temperature adjusted for windchill (Twindchill) on supplement intake behavior cattle winter grazing rangelands. A mixed-age herd Angus-based cows (291 316 in year 1 2, respectively) were classified by (1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5–7-, ?8-year-old) grazed rangeland pasture (329-ha) two consecutive winters. Cows provided free-choice access to protein blocks a SmartFeedPro self-feeder system. An Onset HOBO Weather Station collected data throughout period. Supplement (expressed as kg?d?1 g?kg body weight?1), coefficient variation rate (g?min?1) displayed Twindchill × interactions (p ? 0.02). In general, quadratic effect all variables 0.04), where 3- 4-year-old had greatest with least variation, while yearling amount variation. conclusion, environmental conditions interacted affect and, consequently, efficacy nutrient delivery systems beef