Abstract
Forage intake by grazing animals is determined by a large number of animal (physical, physiological, and psychogenic), forage/dietary, weather, and management factors. Feed intake is controlled by physiological demand due to maintenance needs and production demands, but only up to the limits of the gastrointestinal capacity, and more particularly reticulo-rumen capacity in the ruminant. The National Research Council concluded that both taste and smell can influence the selection and consumption of various foods for most animal species. The olfactory cues (smell) can influence whether or not a meal will be initiated, and the taste may affect the length of that meal. Environmental factors—principally forage availability and acceptability and weather—affect forage intake. Smell, taste, and appearance of the feedstuff have less effect on the level of dry matter intake when no choice is offered. Nitrogen deficiency can be a primary factor limiting feed intake, while also reducing net utilization of metabolizable energy. The digestibility and rate of ingesta passage and its association with reticulo-rumen fill (distention) appear to be the primary mechanisms of forage intake regulation in large ruminants. Animal numbers and mixes should optimally be adjusted to forage availability on a yearly or seasonal basis.
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