Interactive Effects of Breed, Physiological Conditions and Topography on Grazing Behaviour and Distribution of Dairy Cattle at Mpwapwa

Abstract

The study was carried out at Mpwapwa Livestock Training Agency (LITA) Dairy unit during dry season to examine the interactive effect of dairy cattle breeds and their physiological condition on grazing behaviour and the influence of topographical features on grazing distribution. The experimental design involved 2x3 factorial arrangements with two factors; breed (Friesian, Ayrshire and Jersey) and physiological status (dry, weaners and lactating). Focal observation method was used by three trained observers to examine focal animals for four days consecutively. Field survey techniques were used for recoding different signs of animals’ movement from upper-land and lowland. It was revealed that the time spent for foraging was inversely proportion to the time spent for rumination; grazing being higher for Friesian and Ayrshire breeds and significantly lower for Jersey breed. Interestingly, lactating cows had significantly lower feeding rate which was associated with concentrate supplementation. More studies are recommended not only to determine the impacts of supplementation on production levels but also economic implication of supplementation. Moreover, Friesian and Jersey displayed higher feeding rate at weaning stage and drying-off period respectively which implies the complex interrelationship between genomic characteristics and physiology of animals and thus calls for indepth studies. Nevertheless, a preferential choice of grazing animals in lowland has ecological implication by increasing grazing pressure on lowland pastures. Appropriated range management practices such as proper stocking rate, water point distribution and pasture improvement are recommended. Further studies are also recommended to examine nutritional composition and seasonal variation in forage resources.